Mexican regulator authorizes private use concessions and proposes more free spectrum

Mexican telecom regulator IFT approved changes to the frequency allocation table (CNAF) to enable private use, comply with the decisions of the WRC-23 conference on satellite frequencies and offer more free spectrum.

The decision takes into account the recommendations of the 5G committee formed by the regulator.

The amendments allow for the granting of spectrum concessions for private use for experimental purposes, as well as authorizations for secondary use in radio spectrum frequency bands for the purpose of testing technologies provided they do not cause harmful interference to services already in operation.

In addition, the modification established by WRC-23 on the 17.3-17.7MHz band was incorporated to add the space-to-Earth direction for Region 2, which includes Mexico.

Changes were also approved for the operation of the 57-64GHz band, classified as free spectrum in 2017, with the aim of promoting regional harmonization.

IFT will also begin a public consultation process on the classification of the 64-71GHz band for free use. “The classification of the 64-71GHz frequency band as free spectrum will help meet wireless communication needs in the face of rapid technological evolution and the significant increase in the use of radio communication systems, smart, portable and personal devices connected to wireless networks,” the regulator said in a press release.

Devices using these frequency bands include radio links between fixed stations with high data transmission capacity, low-power devices, Wi-Gig systems, and short-range devices such as wearables and ones for virtual and augmented reality.