CONATEL, Paraguay's National Telecommunications Commission, has launched a public consultation to update the Regulation for Homologation of Telecommunications Equipment and Devices. This initiative is part of the Regulatory Impact Analysis (AIR) methodology, supported by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and aims to modernize a regime in force since 2009 that has become outdated due to rapid technological evolution and changing market dynamics.

The consultation document identifies structural issues in the current regulation, including obsolete equipment categories, lack of cybersecurity requirements, excessive bureaucracy, incomplete digitalization, and weak coordination with the National Directorate of Tax Revenue (DNIT). Homologation by family of models is expressly prohibited, resulting in increased costs and delays for industry stakeholders. The approval process is centralized in CONATEL's Board of Directors, creating procedural bottlenecks.

The public consultation is open from July 24 to August 2, 2026, inviting sector stakeholders to submit comments, suggestions, and proposals. The document provides guiding questions on the definition of the regulatory problem, causes, consequences, priorities for update, and relevant international best practices. Key stakeholders include technical project managers, importers, manufacturers, operators, end users, DNIT, MITIC, ONA, and SEDECO.

Technical and regulatory analysis, along with international benchmarking, shows that countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Chile, and Costa Rica have implemented digital processes, free homologation fees, specific categories for new technologies, and cybersecurity requirements—practices not yet adopted in Paraguay. The update is seen as an opportunity to improve efficiency, reduce entry barriers, strengthen market control, and ensure the safety and quality of telecommunications equipment.

In summary, this public consultation represents the first step toward a comprehensive reform of the homologation regime, with potential impact on industry, users, regulatory authorities, and the national technology ecosystem. Active participation from all value groups will be crucial to legitimize and support the regulatory decisions to be made in subsequent stages.

This regulatory update is classified as Medium Impact.

The measure is currently at the public consultation stage and is not yet final or mandatory, but it proposes significant changes to the homologation regime that could affect approval, importation, and operation of a wide range of telecommunications devices.

Key reasons for medium impact:

• The consultation targets structural reforms, including digitalization, cost reduction, and new technical requirements.
• Stakeholders are invited to provide input, which may shape the final regulation.
• The scope covers multiple device categories and operational processes.

Who is affected?

Technical project managers, importers, manufacturers, operators, and regulatory authorities.

Conclusion:

While the measure is not yet in force, its expected changes are substantial and could have broad effects once finalized.