Mexico Sets Deadline for Phone Line Registration Linked to CURP

Mexico's Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) is moving forward with its plan to suspend cellular lines that have not been linked to a CURP, the country's unique population registry code. This measure aims to curb rising rates of fraud and extortion facilitated by untraceable phone numbers.

The suspension process began with lines ending in the digit '0'. Those owners who failed to link their numbers to their CURP faced provisional service suspension. The next deadline is August 31, when lines ending in '1' that remain unregistered will also be suspended.

The IFT has established a staggered schedule for deactivation, ensuring a gradual rollout through the end of the year. Following the '1' deadline, lines ending in subsequent digits will be deactivated every fifteen days. This phased approach continues until December 31, when lines ending in '9' will face suspension if not properly registered.

Despite the ongoing efforts and the clear calendar provided by the regulator, a segment of the population remains reluctant to comply with the mandatory registration. The government maintains that linking phone lines to CURP is crucial for enhancing security and reducing criminal activities, particularly those involving phone scams and extortion.