The Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) has published Technical Protocol IFT-017-2023, establishing a new testing standard for radiocommunication systems used in wireless access equipment for local area radio networks.
Key Regulatory Changes
Scope: Equipment using digital modulation in frequency bands 5150 MHz–6425 MHz is now subject to IFT-017-2023.
Previous Process Eliminated:
Bands 5150-5250 MHz, 5250-5350 MHz, 5470-5600 MHz, 5650-5725 MHz, 5725-5850 MHz, and 5925-6425 MHz were previously approved through document review and a technical report prepared by an IFT-authorized engineer (Perito).
This approval process is no longer valid under the new regulation.
Regulatory Update
IFT-017-2023 replaces Technical Provision IFT-008-2015, which previously governed spread spectrum techniques and homologation of telecommunications and broadcasting products.
The new regulation provides:
Legal certainty by defining clear technical specifications and test methods.
Harmonization with US and Canadian standards, facilitating trade and market access.
Stronger security and reliability in communications by addressing:
Signal-to-noise ratio
Interference mitigation
System coexistence
Why IFT-017-2023 Matters
This regulatory shift significantly impacts the radiocommunication industry by ensuring standardized compliance, improving market transparency, and fostering technological innovation. Manufacturers must now adhere to defined testing protocols, eliminating prior approval inconsistencies.
By enforcing clear standards and ensuring better spectrum management, the new framework supports the growth of Mexico’s wireless ecosystem while aligning with international regulations.
Who is Affected?
Manufacturers & Vendors of radiocommunication equipment
Users of wireless access systems
Accreditation bodies & testing laboratories
Implementation Date
IFT-017-2023 will be enforced starting November 2025.
Regulatory Impact Overview
- Top Priority: ✅ Yes
- Type of Certificate Affected: ✅ Yes
- Spectrum Bands Impacted: ✅ Yes
- Standard Changes: ✅ Yes
No Impact on Product Changes, Labeling, or Import HS Codes.
This regulation marks a significant milestone in Mexico’s digital transformation, strengthening the reliability, security, and efficiency of radiocommunication networks. Stakeholders should prepare for compliance ahead of the enforcement deadline.
