Telecommunications regulatory shifts proposed in Mexico and Venezuela

In Mexico, a proposed reduction in radio spectrum costs for mobile services could signal a major shift in telecommunications policy. The proposal includes a 12 percent decrease in costs across various bands and potential discounts of up to 100 percent on rights payments in exchange for coverage obligations. Industry experts note that this represents a significant departure from previous policies, as it focuses on lowering costs rather than increasing them.

In Venezuela, regulatory discussions regarding Conatel's general authorization attributes are raising concerns for over-the-top (OTT) platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon. A report from Telecomunicaciones 360 warns that classifying these streaming services as subscription broadcasting services could subject them to obligations intended for traditional network operators. Critics argue that because OTT platforms rely on third-party internet connections rather than controlling their own networks, they should not be regulated under the same framework as traditional subscription television.