Mexico's Black Market for SIM Chips Surges Amid Mandatory Registration

The Mexican government has mandated that all mobile phone numbers, both prepaid and postpaid, be linked to the holder’s CURP and an official photo ID. Registration began on 9 January 2026, with a deadline of 29‑30 June 2026; any line not registered will be suspended from 1 July 2026, restricting service to emergency calls only.

Following the deadline, a black market for ready‑to‑use SIM chips has exploded. Vendors sell chips for 27 to 1,000 pesos, often requiring a minimum purchase of ten units. Buyers use the chips to keep their lines active and avoid suspension. The rise has been noted by El Universal and criticised online as evidence of growing corruption.