2014 Mexico City Blog: Panel on Mexico's Telecom Reform, Plus Undersecretary José Ignacio Peralta
Panelists from the private sector, government, and civil society examined Mexico's telecom reform and what it means for investment in the industry.
Speakers:
- Miguel Calderón Lelo de Larrea, Vice President, Regulation, Telefónica Mexico
- Adriana Labardini Inzunza, Commissioner, Ifetel
- Irene Levy, President, Observatel
- Enrique Conde, Shareholder, Greenberg Traurig LLP (moderator)
Keynote Remarks:
- José Ignacio Peralta, Undersecretary of Communications, Secretariat of Communications and Transportation
Panelists from the private sector, government, and civil society explored what's in store for Mexico's telecom reform. Ifatel's Adriana Labardini spoke about consumer rights, freedom of expression, and the need to close Mexico's digital gap. She said the reform allows the country to move from regulations that are protectionist in nature toward greater competition. She also urged for a forward-looking reform.
"Debemos buscar una reforma para el S. XXI, no para el S. XX. Debemos mirar hacia adelante, no atrás." Labardini @ASCOA @ProMexicoTw
— ANDRES GARCIA (@ANDREASJARAMILL) May 12, 2014
Meanwhile, Observatel's Irene Levy cautioned that more competition does not necessarily translate to more benefits for consumers, particularly if a lack of transparency exists. She added that clear regulations are necessary to attract foreign and national investment to the industry.
In keynote remarks, Undersecretary José Ignacio Peralta expressed that guaranteeing access to high-speed internet and extending fiberoptic lines are key components of the telecommunications reform.
Watch a video of the panel and the undersecretary's remarks (en español):