Mexico set to implement 10-digit uniform dialing nationwide

A plenary session of Mexico’s telecommunications watchdog IFT has approved plans announced over a year ago to simplify dialing by removing 01, 044, 045 and 1 prefixes and enforcing a standard 10-digit number for both fixed and mobile lines. The aim is to eliminate the time-consuming and error-prone process of having to add different prefixes for domestic long distance and international calls. The necessary changes in networks will take a while to implement, however, with the regulator setting a deadline of 03 August 2019 for the introduction of the new dialing system.

The implementation of the new Fundamental Numbering and Signaling Technical Plans, as well as the Modification to the Numerical Portability Rules in force, begins the elimination of the following prefixes:

i) 01 for calls to non-geographic numbers and national long distance calls;

ii) 044 for calls from fixed lines destined to mobile national numbers;

iii) 045 for national long distance calls from fixed lines destined to mobile national numbers;

iv) digit 1 in incoming international long distance calls to mobile numbers.

The new Fundamental Technical Plans and the consequent modification to the Numerical Portability Rules, will come into force as of August 3, 2019.

With the new Fundamental Numbering Technical Plan, the following changes will be completed:

• Implement a 10-digit uniform dialing nationwide.
• Guarantee the availability of numbering to all Telecommunications Service Providers.
• Simplify and standardize the dialing procedures.
• Carry out more efficient management of numerical resources.
• Simplify the applicable procedures and implement electronic procedures.