America Movilcompany owned by Carlos Slimreceived this Wednesday, November 6, a important sanction by the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT).
According to the organization, this resolution takes place after carrying out a third review of asymmetric regulationwhich seek to protect users so that they have better service conditions.
It is worth remembering that among the companies that América Móvil operates in Mexico, there are Telcel and Telmex.
Carlos Slim’s América Móvil receives a significant sanction from the IFT
This day the IFT issued a important sanction for Carlos Slim’s América Móvil operation in Mexico.
The resolution states that obligatory This company must comply with at least 9 important points for your clientswith the aim of having a more competitive market.
Furthermore, the measures seek to ensure that users have more freedom when choosing their services, because in this way they will have companies operating under the same conditions.
According to the sanction issued by the IFT, Carlos Slim’s América Móvil must:
- deliver all your unlocked cell phones
- eliminate mandatory deadlines in telephone or internet service contracts
- The application of discounts, benefits or bonuses may not be conditioned by the purchase of equipment or contracting any service.
- Users who decide to change their América Móvil service for another operator will not be able to be contacted by the company within a period of 60 days.
- The services offered will be subject to comparative tables with those offered by other companies.
- América Móvil is obliged to provide other operators with access to the Wholesale Visiting User Service for a period of up to 5 years.
- When obtaining contracts through public bidding or direct award, América Móvil must inform the IFT
- América Móvil cannot hinder or limit sales points or channels to its competition.
- Keep a record in the Electronic Management System (SEG), so that the IFT can corroborate that all the measures issued are complied with.
America Movil (Post Taking)
América Móvil will challenge the IFT resolution
América Móvil, Carlos Slim’s company, reported that it will present an appeal challenge after the resolution issued against him by the IFT.
According to the company, the sanction ignore the changes that were established more than 10 years ago when asymmetric measures were established.
América Móvil argued the sanction does not have support in the current market, since it does not show the results that its main competitors show.
They assured that setting rules regarding contracts for users does not take into account the development in telecommunications.
Photo: Reuters
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, everyone! Today we have a very special guest, Dr. Laura Martinez, a telecommunications policy expert who specializes in regulatory frameworks and consumer rights. She joins us to discuss the recent sanction imposed on América Móvil by Mexico’s Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT). Dr. Martinez, thank you for being here!
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. As we’ve seen reported, América Móvil, owned by Carlos Slim, received a significant sanction from the IFT earlier this month. What was the main reason behind this resolution?
Dr. Martinez: The primary motive behind this sanction was to enforce asymmetric regulation, which is designed to protect consumers and foster competition in the telecommunications market. The IFT has conducted multiple reviews, and in this case, they found América Móvil’s practices needed reform to ensure that users have more suitable service conditions and greater choice in the market.
Interviewer: Absolutely. The IFT laid out a series of nine important obligations for América Móvil. Which of these obligations do you think will have the most significant impact on consumers?
Dr. Martinez: I believe the requirement for América Móvil to deliver unlocked cell phones will be transformative. This directly empowers consumers, eliminating the hassle of being tied to a single provider with locked devices and potentially encourages competition. Additionally, the elimination of mandatory deadlines in contracts will give users greater flexibility and control over their services.
Interviewer: That makes sense. Some users may have felt trapped by long-term contracts. Now, let’s talk about the limitations imposed on América Móvil when users decide to switch providers. Specifically, they won’t be able to contact customers for 60 days after they leave. How do you see this affecting customer experience and competition?
Dr. Martinez: This measure is intended to respect the consumer’s choice without harassment from the previous provider. It can lead to a healthier competitive environment because users can switch without the fear of constant attempts to lure them back. This space could also give other carriers a better opportunity to attract new customers without the overshadowing presence of a dominant player like América Móvil.
Interviewer: That’s a solid point. There’s also the requirement for América Móvil to provide comparative tables of services alongside their competitors. Is this transparency really valuable in this context?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. Transparency is key in creating a competitive market. When consumers are able to compare services easily, it fosters informed decisions and encourages providers to improve their offerings. Without such measures, large companies with substantial market power can sometimes obscure their true value proposition, making it hard for consumers to recognize better options.
Interviewer: It seems like the IFT’s actions are aimed at leveling the playing field, particularly for small and medium telecommunications companies. In your opinion, will this ultimately lead to a more competitive market in Mexico?
Dr. Martinez: I believe so. By ensuring that América Móvil adheres to these regulations, smaller telecommunications firms may gain a fairer chance to compete. If these measures are enforced effectively, we should see better service quality, competitive pricing, and innovation emerge as all players strive to win consumer loyalty.
Interviewer: It sounds promising! Before we wrap up, are there any other aspects of this sanction that you think our viewers should be aware of?
Dr. Martinez: It’s important to understand this as part of a broader trend where regulatory bodies are recognizing the importance of consumer rights in the digital age. The IFT’s decision signals a commitment to not only protecting users but also to promoting a healthy, competitive environment that encourages innovation. It’ll be fascinating to see how this unfolds in the coming months.
Interviewer: Dr. Laura Martinez, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. It’s been a pleasure discussing the implications of this sanction on América Móvil and the telecommunications landscape in Mexico.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! It’s an important conversation, and I’m glad to contribute.