Mexico's Mobile Registration Deadline Looms with Less Than Half of Lines Registered

Mexico is facing a significant shortfall in its mandatory mobile phone line registration, with the June 30 deadline fast approaching. As of Monday night, only 62,534,478 lines had been registered, representing a mere 43% of the country's estimated 144.5 million active lines. To meet the target, over 10 million lines would need to be registered daily. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) reported the figures, highlighting the substantial gap. President Claudia Sheinbaum is expected to announce on Thursday whether an extension will be granted for the registration process. Sheinbaum has previously stated that the registration aims to enhance security and combat crimes like extortion, refuting claims that the government intends to spy on citizens. The registration requirement is part of an effort to link phone lines to individuals, a measure intended to curb criminal activity. Major carriers like América Móvil (Telcel), AT&T, and Telefónica (Movistar) hold the largest shares of active lines in the country.