Mexico City — A new mandate requiring all mobile phone lines to be registered with personal data has prompted thousands of Mexican users to seek alternative ways to stay connected, including foreign eSIMs, messaging apps, and internet-based calling services.
The measure, part of a federal push to strengthen user identification and combat crimes involving anonymous phone numbers, has raised privacy concerns despite official assurances of data protection.
Users Explore New Options
Interest in alternative communication tools has surged in recent weeks, according to multiple reports. Among the most popular options are international eSIMs, which allow users to purchase mobile data plans from foreign carriers without needing a physical SIM card in Mexico.
Usage of messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal — which enable texting and calling over an internet connection — has also grown, reducing reliance on traditional phone lines. Some users are evaluating Voice over IP (VoIP) services that require only an internet connection.
Privacy Fears Drive the Shift
A key concern among users is the protection of their personal information. While authorities say the data will be safeguarded under strict security protocols, fears persist over potential leaks, misuse, or unauthorized access to databases.
The debate echoes past attempts in Mexico to create similar user registries, which faced privacy criticisms and were eventually canceled or ruled unconstitutional.
eSIMs Take Center Stage
eSIMs have gained prominence because they allow digital activation of mobile plans from international companies. Specialized platforms offer data packages that work in Mexico and abroad, attracting users seeking alternatives to traditional telephony.
However, experts note that these solutions do not fully replace a conventional mobile line, as many are designed only for internet access and do not provide a Mexican phone number.
What Happens to Unregistered Users?
Authorities are still working out operational details, but the goal is to link all active mobile lines to their owners’ identities. Depending on final implementation, those who do not complete registration could face restrictions or even service suspension.
In the meantime, uncertainty has driven thousands to seek information about technological alternatives that allow them to communicate without relying solely on a traditional cell line.
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