On February 19, 2025, the agreement by which the Plenary of the Federal Telecommunications Institute (“IFT”) approved the IFT Action Protocol for Emergency or Disaster Situations (“Action Protocol”) was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation. This agreement will become effective on February 20, 2025, and can be accessed through the IFT’s official website.
The Action Protocol establishes procedures and coordination actions between the IFT and Concessionaires and Authorized Entities (“Operators”) to: (i) prevent and mitigate damage to telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure; (ii) collaborate with authorities in restoring services after emergencies; (iii) ensure the prompt recovery of public services; and (iv) provide updated information on the status of the infrastructure.
Unlike the initial draft, which transferred all responsibility on the Operators, the Action Protocol assigns specific tasks to the IFT and is divided into three phases:
- Prevention Phase: The IFT, through a Working Group and its Administrative Units, will identify risk areas for telecommunications and broadcasting infrastructure, propose preventive measures to strengthen resilience, and organize internal training sessions. Additionally, the General Coordination of Institutional Connection (“Connection Coordination”) will keep updated directories of Operators and amateur radio operators, coordinate with authorities to optimize emergency response, and lead awareness campaigns. Meanwhile, the General Coordination of Social Communication (“Communication Coordination”) and the General Coordination of Planning will disseminate information on the proper use of telecommunications services in emergency situations.
- Response Phase: Once the protocol is activated, the IFT will implement immediate actions to manage the crisis. The Connection Coordination will maintain communication with Operators to coordinate service restoration, establish contact with amateur radio associations to support emergency communications, and manage the loan of satellite communication equipment for public officials. The Working Group will assess the need to modify, extend, or suspend administrative deadlines and terms, prioritizing the recovery of critical infrastructure. Additionally, the Communications Unit will monitor network conditions and the radio spectrum to detect and resolve interferences, while the Communication Coordination will inform the public about service restoration and support measures.
- Recovery Phase: Once the competent authority declares the emergency over, the IFT will publish an official notice with the date and time of protocol deactivation. It will also provide information on the actions that will remain in effect and their implementation timelines, notifying Operators in affected areas. The Communications Unit will verify the complete recovery of infrastructure and evaluate the continuity of temporary services enabled during the emergency. Finally, the Working Group will analyze potential improvements to existing agreements and instruct Operators to prepare a Recommendation Report to enhance future emergency response strategies.
Through the Action Protocol, the IFT aims to ensure the continuity and prompt recovery of telecommunications and broadcasting services in Mexico, minimizing the impact of disasters through a structured prevention, response, and recovery framework.
At Acedo Santamarina, S.C., we are available to provide guidance and address any concerns regarding the Action Protocol.
