Mexico Launches Digital Transformation, Telecommunications Agency

The Federal Executive Branch and the Ministry has formalized the creation of the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (ATDT). This entity will assume key functions in digital technologies, telecommunications, and technological sovereignty.

“The objective of the Agency is to formulate and conduct national policies that guarantee technological integration, the digitalization of procedures, and the interoperability of systems for the benefit of the public administration and citizens,” reads the decree published in the  Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).

The creation of the ATDT arises from the need to centralize and strengthen digital inclusion policies and the implementation of technologies in the federal public administration. The measure involves the transfer of human, financial and material resources from the National Digital Strategy Coordination and other related entities, such as the Financiera para el Bienestar. This restructuring seeks to optimize technological processes, guarantee universal telecommunications coverage, and develop public software solutions.

“In recent years, digital transformation has become a strategic priority for governments and organizations around the world. In Mexico, connectivity gaps and lack of interoperability between systems have limited progress in the digitization of public services,” reads the decree. “The ATDT seeks to address these challenges through comprehensive policies, promoting technological sovereignty and digital inclusion.”

This structural change aims to improve the efficiency of government services, increase digital inclusion and better coordinate telecommunications and broadcasting policies at the federal level.

According to Consumo TIC, the creation of this agency is a considerable step to consolidate the digital transformation of the Mexican government and the improvement of public services through innovative technologies.  

ATDT Attributions

The ATDT will be able to create policies related to digital inclusion, telecommunications, data interoperability, and technology management. Its main attributions include:

• Identity and digital citizenship: Promote the use of the unique authentication mechanism based on the Unique Population Registry Key (CURP) and coordinate the integration of the personal identification system with the Ministry of the Interior.

• Universal telecommunications coverage: Design strategies to guarantee connectivity in public places and the provision of services in hard-to-reach areas.

• Technological sovereignty: Formulate policies that promote the digitalization of procedures and services, as well as the creation of public software.

• Satellite capacity: Manage orbital resources and guarantee their efficient use for national security networks and social services.

The decree also details a schedule for the transfer of resources, with a deadline of Dec. 31, 2024, to complete the necessary administrative processes. As of Jan. 1, 2025, the ATDT will be fully operational under the leadership of José Antonio Peña, current Head, Digital Agency for Public Innovation.

Another significant change includes the absorption of the telecommunications attributions of the Financiera para el Bienestar, which will have to adjust its legal instruments within the stipulated timeframe. These moves seek to consolidate technical and operational capacities in a single agency to avoid duplication and improve the effectiveness of public policies.

The ATDT will also assume functions in the regulation of public services such as post, telegraph, and radiotelegraphy. In addition, it will represent the country in international forums on information technologies and telecommunications, proposing agreements and treaties that strengthen Mexico's position in the global digital arena.