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Type approval in Paraguay
CONATEL (National Telecommunications Commission) approval in Paraguay refers to the regulatory process and authorization required by companies or individuals to operate telecommunications services or sell telecommunications equipment in the country. CONATEL is the government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications sector in Paraguay, including radio communications, broadcasting, satellite communications, internet services, and telecommunications equipment.
When companies wish to launch a telecommunications service or sell certain types of equipment (such as cell phones, radios, or other communication devices) in Paraguay, they must obtain approval or certification from CONATEL to ensure that their operations or products meet the required technical, regulatory, and safety standards. This process includes:
Licensing for Telecommunications Services: Operators who want to provide mobile, internet, fixed-line, or broadcasting services in Paraguay need a license from CONATEL. The agency regulates the number of licenses, the frequency spectrum, and the technical standards for these services.
Certification of Telecommunications Equipment: Companies that want to import or sell
telecommunication devices, such as mobile phones, routers, or radios, must ensure
that these devices meet the technical standards set by CONATEL. The agency may
require certification for electromagnetic compatibility, safety, and adherence to
international standards.
Compliance with Local Regulations: CONATEL ensures that the services and
equipment comply with local laws, including consumer protection, data privacy,
spectrum management, and infrastructure regulations.
Spectrum Management: CONATEL is responsible for managing the radio frequency
spectrum in Paraguay. Companies wishing to use certain frequency bands for
telecommunications must apply for spectrum licenses and adhere to the frequency allocation plan regulated by CONATEL.
The approval process typically involves submitting documentation, undergoing technical evaluations, paying applicable fees, and ensuring that the operation or equipment meets the standards required for approval.
In summary, CONATEL approval is necessary for ensuring that telecommunications services and products in Paraguay are safe, effective, and compliant with national regulations.
CONATEL has confirmed that any device supporting 4G/LTE operation in the 700 MHz band must support LTE band 28.
If a product supports 4G/LTE operation in the 700 MHz band but does not support LTE band 28, CONATEL has confirmed that they will be unable to homologate the device, unless the 4G/LTE function is disabled for Paraguay.
Currently, there are no Paraguayan cellular network providers that offer services in 700 MHz; a spectrum auction is underway for 700 MHz and it is unknown which providers will end up offering the service. CONATEL also stated there is no official Regulation in place which outlines these requirements, and have not indicated when an official notification will be published. Nevertheless, they have confirmed that the minimum 4G/LTE requirements are effective immediately and apply to both new Type certification applications and renewals.
Paraguay is located in South (Latin) America.
The current population as of 2024 is 6,960,922.
Official Languages of Paraguay are Spanish and Guaraní. Nearly 87% of the country's population speaks Spanish.
April 2024
Aimed at enhancing the quality and reliability of cellular mobile devices within its borders, the National Commission of Telecommunications of Paraguay (CONATEL) has officially issued Resolution No. 3171. This document approves the technical standard NTC-T-IMT:2023, establishing a comprehensive framework for the conformity assessment of mobile cellular devices.
July 2020
Paraguay Regulator, Comisión Nacional de Telecomunicaciones (CONATEL), recently announced the release of Resolución 1269/2020, which updates the National Frequency Allocation Plan with regards to radio frequency identification equipment (RFID), short-range radio communication devices (SRD) and low-power area network (LPWAN) devices.
Resolución 1269/2020 permits the use of the 918 – 928 MHz frequency range for such devices, while establishing the operating conditions and procedures for the authorization of such equipment in Paraguay.
It should be noted that the technical parameters of such devices using this frequency band must be configured according to the limitations established in the Regulation.
If manufacturers wish to use this frequency band, a label on the device or a statement in the User Manual will be required, to state the following:
“En Paraguay, este equipo deberá ser configurado para operar con las limitaciones establecidas en la norma Técnica NTC-RF-918:2020 de la CONATEL”.
September 2019
New rules for importing of Mobile Phones and Mobile Phone equipment went into effect September 21, 2019.
Companies importing mobile phones and components of mobile phone equipment have to comply with the provisions of Resolution №410 from September 21, 2019.
They must obtain the mandatory homologation certification granted by the National Telecommunications Commission (CONETEL) of Paraguay, and register International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) provided to the importer by the manufacturer.
January 2018
Paraguay CONATEL confirmed a minimum set of requirements for Type Approval of devices supporting 4G/LTE functionality. Below is a summary:
CONATEL has confirmed that any device supporting 4G/LTE operation in the 700 MHz band must support LTE band 28.
If a product supports 4G/LTE operation in the 700 MHz band but does not support LTE band 28, CONATEL has confirmed that they will be unable to homologate the device, unless the 4G/LTE fuction is disabled for Paraguay.Currently, there are no Paraguayan cellular network providers that offer services in 700 MHz; a spectrum auction is underway for 700 MHz and it is unknown which providers will end up offering the service. CONATEL also stated there is no official Regulation in place which outlines these requirements, and have not indicated when an official notification will be published. Nevertheless, they have confirmed that the minimum 4G/LTE requirements are effective immediately and apply to both new Type Approval applications and renewals.
Paraguay CONATEL label requirements:
CONATEL has issued Resolucion Directorio No. 1193/2017 amending Resolutions No. 588/2009 and No. 1631/2014 regarding product labelling. Under the new Resolution, the product’s label must include the following information in a clearly visible location:
Name of the manufacturer,
Brand and model number,
CONATEL Logo + Certificate/Registration Number
CONATEL will require a photo or draft of this label as part of the application package for new approval applications.
The Resolution also requires that the product’s label include the name and address of the distributor in Paraguay. The Resolution does allow for placement of all information in the user manual or alternate locations for cases where placing the information on the product label is not possible. All information must be in place before products arrive to Paraguay.
While the Resolution does not address products that are already approved with CONATEL, it is our recommendation that units not already in Paraguay comply with this requirement in order to avoid inconveniences at customs.
Note: The required labeling for Paraguay can either be added to the existing product label, or can appear as an additional label near the existing product label on the product. A photo of the label placement with the Paraguay information on the product should be provided to the agency, even if it is mock-up copy of the label and photo.
Option 1. Label artwork for this product having the CONATEL logo and NR: XXXX-XX-X-XXXX, and photo or drawing of the product showing the location of the label. An option is to put a separate sticker on the product with this information.
Option 2. Another option is put inside the current label the valid expression: CONATEL PY: XXXX-XX-X-XXXX.
Frequencies allowed in Paraguay:
For GSM 850, 1800 and 1900MHz, for UMTS the same as mentioned for GSM, and also 2100MHz as used in Europe.
The band of 902-928 MHz is licensed for PCS-900 (cellular) as used in Europe. Since the band was not being used for that in Paraguay they sold it to a local company, Compañia Paraguaya de Comunicaciones.
You can use radio spread spectrum only in the banda of 2400 MHz and 5800 MHz (the other called ISM bands).
2400-2483.5 MHz
5150-5350 MHz
5470-5850 MHz
For a more detailed list of frequencies allowed in Paraguay, contact CSIA.
CSIA can provide supporting services should your company not be able to meet country specific requirements such as a local representative, local certificate holder, translating documents into the native language, etc.
Contact one of our friendly associates today, they are happy to assist you!
CSIA also offers FCC Certifications, CE Certifications, ISED Canada.
Contact CSIA at (503) 482 9289 or quotes@csiassoc.com