We just got our CURP number today so we can register our cell phones as per the new requirements. It was a very simple process but make sure to check the information that they record into their computers on line. When we got home from the office on Calle 65 x 64 y 66 Centro and checked the info on line we discovered that Charlotte was now born in Georgia instead of Georgia , U.S.A. and I had two last names. It's very important that all the info recorded matches exactly with other ID or future problems can arise. Of course we went back and corrected the data and then registered our cell phones with Telcel. I'll be curious to find out how visitors next year are going to handling the whole cell phone issue as one needs an FM 2 or FM 3 to get a CURP number and a CURP number is needed to register the cell phone so that they will work.

What is CURP, and what are the new cel phone requirements, please?

The CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población or Unique Registration Population Code in English) is like a Social Security Number in the US. This a registration number assigned to all individuals living within Mexico, as well as Mexicans living abroad. The National Population Registry is responsible for assigning CURP numbers and issuing the corresponding certificate.



It contains 18 alphanumeric characters generated from the Identification Document provided (usually a Mexican Birth Certificate, Naturalization Certificate, or migratory document) and is comprised by:



a) The person's paternal last name, mother's original last name, and first name. b.) The person's date of birth c) Gender. d) Mexican State of birth or born outside Mexico. e) The last two characters in the CURP prevent duplicate numbers and guarantee that the code is correct.



The Mexican government wants to have a database to track every cellphone number in the country, and whom it belongs to. They want to link the CURP with cellphone numbers. If Mexicans don't send in their number and CURP via SMS or in person before April 10, 2010, their cellphone number will be blocked.

This is a bit frustrating to me as I own a house in Chelem, but because of my usage of the house for less than 6 months of the year, travel on FMT's (tourist visas). Odd that I can buy a home with a FMT, but not have a cell phone. Oh well, TIM (This Is Mexico).

We just had to buy a new mobile and can't get it set up until we register with our CURP. So now have to go running around all over the place just to set up the phone. I was also told that it is an attempt to curb Drug Gangs and an anti terrorist move.

El,



What is the office that you go to to obtain the number. telcel told me to bring my passport to the Telcel office but I checked my Visa in my UK passport and it does not have a CURP number neither does my FM3.



What documents did you take to do this?



I had just purchased a mobile two months ago but it dropped out of the cargo pocket last week at the beach so went to buy a new one. They never mentioned any of this so now have a mobile that does not work.

The office is on Calle 65 at 64 in Centro. We took our FM3 and Passports. The office is the official registration office for marriage certificates and other civil documents. We were in and out (twice) in 5 minutes.

I'm in Merida 5 or 6 times a year but never more than 3 months at a time. I have a cell that and I buy minutes as I need them. I do not have a FM2 or FM3. Will I be able to continue to use my phone after April? Will I be able to register my number without a FM2 or FM3? Should I start training carrier pigeons?

I can't see the future, but if the Mexican Govt. sticks to their guns (and their plan), then after April 2010, you'll have to have your phone registered with a CURP or they simply shut off access through their computers.



I don't see how they could stop some local people from using their CURPs to register NOB gringo friend's phones, particularly if your phone doesn't have a plan: one that is simply using minutes purchased on cards.



Hey, maybe that's how I could fund my retirement: CURPs for Sale! CURPs for Sale!



Get 'em while they're hot!

I had the same thought about using someone else to register my phones. We'll deal with it when we have to.

Thanks for the input.

The email Telcel sent with instructions gives another option of texting to 2877. You type in Alta with your name and birth date, and they supposedly send a confirmation text back. The example they give for Mario Alberto del Rio Cruz born on the 2nd of November 1975 is:



Alta.Mario Alberto.del Rio.Cruz.02111975



Haven´t tried it, just thought it might be helpful for someone.