Mexico's Telecom Reform: A Discussion

Americas Society/Council of the Americas held a panel discussion on Mexico’s telecommunications reform. The event brought together experts from different sectors to discuss the goals and expected results of the new law and how to boost competitiveness in the sector.

According to an Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report, a lack of competition in Mexico's telecommunications sector cost the country an estimated $129.2 billion, or 1.8 percent of GDP a year, from 2005 to 2009. Though Mexico may be the eighth largest nation in the OECD, it ranked last in fixed telephone lines per 100 inhabitants and thirty-third out of 34 countries in mobile subscribers per 100 inhabitants. The reform seeks to raise competitiveness in the sector—opening it up to greater foreign investment and smaller industry players—and to give Mexicans access to better and cheaper telecom services.

Panelists:

• Francisco Gil Díaz, Executive President, Telefónica México
• Jonathan H. Herbst, Managing Director and Senior Member, Global Media & Communications Group, UBS
• Ruben Kraiem, Partner, Covington & Burling LLP (Moderator)
• Gustavo I. López, Vice President & Regional Counsel, Discovery Latin America/US Hispanic