Mexico Mandates Cell Phone Registration to Combat Crime
Mexico is implementing a nationwide mandate requiring all cell phone users – both prepaid and postpaid – to register their telephone numbers with official identification, including INE (national voter ID), passports, and CURP (Unique Population Registry Code), by June 30th. Failure to comply will result in service providers disabling affected lines.
The sweeping measure, approved by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) in early December, aims to create a comprehensive telephone registry, particularly targeting the anonymity historically afforded to prepaid users. This change seeks to curb the use of unregistered lines in criminal activities, according to officials.
Users can complete the registration directly with their service provider, either in person or remotely. Businesses will be required to submit their RFC (Federal Taxpayer Registry) to register lines used by their employees. “This will allow greater transparency and control over the information linked to each user,” a senior official stated.
Telcel, a leading mobile provider, emphasized the mandatory nature of the regulation, urging customers to complete the linking process promptly to avoid service disruptions. “Telcel reaffirms its commitment to inform, accompany and facilitate this process for all its clients,” according to a company release.
For years, obtaining a postpaid line has required a formal contract and identification. However, prepaid services have allowed users to purchase airtime with cash or card without providing any identifying information. The new regulations eliminate this anonymity.
The CRT has assured the public that personal data collected during registration will be protected under relevant laws. Providers like Telmex, Movistar, and AT&T are obligated to implement robust administrative, technical, and physical security measures to safeguard this information. Specifically, providers must protect user names, CURP/RFC, associated phone numbers, identification types, and validation sources against unauthorized access or alteration.
New Platforms for Line Management
The CRT is also mandating the creation of two new platforms: a mobile telephone line consultation platform and a mobile telephone line management platform. The consultation platform will allow users to verify which lines are registered under their name and disassociate themselves from any incorrectly linked numbers. The management platform will serve as a tool for service providers to facilitate the linking and unlinking of lines.
According to the CRT, users switching providers will need to re-register their phone numbers, with automatic disconnection from their previous provider.
The regulations also address limitations on the number of lines linked to individual users. While natural persons are limited to a maximum of 10 lines, this restriction does not apply to legal entities or individuals with documented business activity, who will be required to provide proof of tax status.
Operators are required to maintain access to lines not yet linked for a period of 15 days, or as determined by the CRT, particularly in affected areas.
This initiative represents a significant shift in Mexico’s telecommunications landscape, prioritizing security and accountability in mobile phone usage.
