Paraguay’s mobile operators and the GSMA announced the launch of the GSMA’s “We Care” initiative to tackle handset theft and trafficking in the country.
With the support of the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL), Paraguay’s mobile operators will be connecting to the GSMA IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) Database to exchange information on stolen or lost devices, as well as block devices reported as stolen or missing on other networks. Globally, 122 operators from 44 countries contribute information about stolen and/or missing handsets to the GSMA’s “blacklist” every day. In Latin America, 52 operators from 18 countries participate.
According to data from GSMA Intelligence, total mobile connections in Paraguay reached 7.7 million in June 2018. The country now has more than four million smartphone connections, a figure that will grow to 4.7 million smartphone connections in 2020, accounting for a penetration rate of over 66 per cent by 2020.
As part of today’s agreement, consumers, commercial organisations and law enforcement agencies will be able to use the GSMA IMEI Device Check service to check in real time whether a handset has been reported lost or stolen in Paraguay.
The “We Care” campaign has been launched in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Peru, and will continue to expand across the region.
Lucas Gallitto, Public Policy Director, Latin America, GSMA
It’s essential for operators to share information through a common database, because it prevents the activation of terminals and halts black market trading.
Teresita Palacios, President of CONATEL
This initiative is an example of the pledge by CONATEL and the mobile industry to find a solution so that users can enjoy all the benefits of mobile connection without fear.
