Long Lines at Telcel Centers in Quintana Roo as Users Seek to Restore Canceled Lines

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Long lines have formed at Telcel customer service centers across Quintana Roo in recent days after the carrier canceled lines belonging to users whose numbers end in 0 and who failed to complete the mandatory registration.

At branches in Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, dozens of frustrated customers have turned up, many saying they are completing the process against their will and expressing concern about how their personal data may be used.

According to testimony gathered from users, service was canceled starting Aug. 18. On Wednesday and Thursday, many customers went to stores to see if their lines could be restored, which is possible if they register in the national cell phone registry.

“It’s a waste of time,” said Crisóforo Díaz, a Tulum resident waiting to be helped. He questioned the purpose of the registration and said he distrusts how authorities might handle the information.

Gabriel Paz, another Tulum resident, said he only decided to complete the process after his line was suspended, because he needs phone service for his job. “I don’t agree, and they’re forcing us to do it,” he said.

Customer service staff confirmed that demand has risen sharply in recent hours as more users try to avoid service restrictions. Employees said the process moves faster with enough staff on hand, though the surge in applicants has increased the workload at service desks.

The situation has led to long lines and frequent complaints. Many users consider the requirement unnecessary and question why it is mandatory, while others say they are registering only to keep their phone service active. The discontent adds to broader public concerns about how the information collected during registration will be stored and used.