Measures to reduce Telcel's market dominance begin to take effect

Telcel, Mexico's largest mobile phone carrier, can no longer charge national roaming fees, a month after the telecoms regulator announced a series of measures intending to reduce its market dominance.

On Sunday, Telcel sent out messages to its more than 70mn subscribers.

"With Amigo by Telcel, enjoy the best coverage without national roaming charges," the message said.

Telcel, which has about 70% of Mexico's mobile telephony subscribers, can no longer charge users for unblocking their devices. As of Monday, Telcel is only authorized to sell unblocked phones. Those users who acquired prepaid devices at an earlier date can have their phones unblocked via text message after July 7.

Customers on postpaid plans can unblock their devices after their contract ends, CNNExpansión reported.

The ban on roaming charges and unblocking provisions do not apply to Telcel's competitors, Telefónica Movistar, Iusacell and Nextel, since they are not dominant market players.

However, telecoms regulator IFT's "preponderant economic agent" designation extended to Telmex, which like Telcel is owned by América Móvil.

Telmex, which controls about 80% of the fixed-line market, must make it easier for customers to cancel contracts and not charge extra cancellation fees.

Telmex must also provide detailed breakdowns of user charges on customer billing.