Paraguayan mobile operators must implement by January 15, 2008 platforms that automatically detect and block the use of SIM cards from stolen mobile phones, Víctor Martínez, head of the technical department of telecoms regulator Conatel, told BNamericas. 

Besides, by January 1, all mobile operators should start exchanging their lists of stolen devices, the official said. 

Conatel is also asking all operators to have in place by July 1 an equipment identity register (EIR) system to identify stolen phones when users try to activate them.  

The EIR platforms cost around US$500,000, Martínez said. 

Paraguay’s mobile operators are Telecel, a unit of Luxembourg-based Millicom International Cellular, Hola, which is backed by Japanese investors, Telecom
Argentina’s unit Personal and Mexican giant América Móvil’s CTI Móvil.