On February 10, 2025, the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) published the Technical Provision IFT-017-2023 in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF). This new regulation sets technical specifications and testing methods for wireless communication equipment operating in local area radio networks using digital modulation within the following frequency bands:
- 5150 MHz – 5250 MHz
- 5250 MHz – 5350 MHz
- 5470 MHz – 5600 MHz
- 5650 MHz – 5725 MHz
- 5725 MHz – 5850 MHz
- 5925 MHz – 6425 MHz
This update aims to ensure compliance, improve interoperability, and reduce interference, aligning Mexico’s regulations with international standards from the United States and Canada.
Implementation Date
The IFT-017-2023 regulation will come into full effect 270 days after its publication, making the official enforcement date November 7, 2025.
Key Changes and Benefits
This provision establishes mandatory technical standards for wireless communication systems, including:
- Power limits and frequency bands to ensure reliable performance.
- Testing and certification requirements for regulatory compliance.
- Interference mitigation mechanisms like Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) and Transmission Power Control (TPC).
- Restrictions for indoor and outdoor equipment to prevent harmful interference.
Devices Approved Before the Implementation Date of IFT-017-2023
According to IFT-017-2023, devices that were certified and approved before the regulation’s implementation date will retain their validity until the expiration date stated in their certification.
However, these devices will be subject to periodic review and verification to ensure ongoing compliance with relevant telecommunications and broadcasting homologation guidelines. The verification will follow specific provisions outlined in Lineamientos para la Homologación de Productos, Equipos, Dispositivos o Aparatos destinados a Telecomunicaciones o Radiodifusión.
For devices operating in the 5725 MHz – 5850 MHz band under the previous IFT-008-2015 regulation, their certification will remain valid until the stated expiration date but will be monitored according to the applicable regulatory framework. Notably, digital modulation and hybrid devices (for digital modulation aspects) in this band are exempt from certain verification requirements as per the second transitional provision of IFT-017-2023.
For more information on Mexico IFT Type Approval requirements, please contact iCertifi.