Overview
Mexico's Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones (IFETEL) recently introduced modifications to Disposición Técnica IFT-011-2022: Technical Specifications of Mobile Terminal Equipment Part 3, Cellular Broadcasting Service for Notification of Risk or Emergency Situations, as of September 20th, 2023.
These changes are significant and have implications for mobile terminal equipment and the use of alert channels.
Key Modifications
The main modifications include a limitation on alert message channels. These channels designated to receive alert messages in mobile terminal equipment are not to be used for advertising, promotional, or any purposes other than those specified in the technical provision. This ensures that these channels are dedicated solely to emergency notifications.
Channel Activation
These changes enable and activate specific channels, such as 4380 (primary configuration) and 519 (secondary configuration) which must now be enabled and activated through MMI (Man-Machine Interface) codes provided by the equipment manufacturers. This process helps regulate access to these channels.
Compliance Verification
In terms of compliance, there is a verification process for the display format of alert messages in mobile terminal equipment that will be tested using digital radiocommunication simulators. This ensures that the alert messages are presented correctly on the devices.
Ongoing Conformity Evaluation
The modifications allow a conformity evaluation process. Mobile terminal equipment that was already in the process of conformity evaluation before the modifications came into force will continue this process under the initial terms. This allows ongoing projects to proceed without interruption.
Grace Period for Compliance
Test labs and Certification Bodies can continue to issue Test Reports and Certificates of Conformity (CoCs) according to the previous version of DT IFT-011-2022, published on September 13th, 2022, for up to 120 calendar days after the modification's entry into force. This provides a grace period for transitioning to the updated requirements.
Compliance Deadline
Importantly, the modification has set a deadline of January 18th, 2024, for compliance with the new regulations. After this date, the revised rules will be fully enforced without exceptions.
Conclusion
These changes aim to ensure the efficient and accurate functioning of mobile terminal equipment during emergency situations and prevent misuse of alert channels for non-emergency purposes. Compliance with these modifications is essential for both manufacturers and users of mobile devices in Mexico.