Paraguay has opened an important public consultation concerning the modernization of its telecommunications equipment homologation framework. The Paraguay homologation reform initiative focuses on the problems affecting the current regime and the potential direction of a future regulatory update.
Through Board Resolution No. 1651/2026, the National Telecommunications Commission, or CONATEL, placed the Problem Formulation Document for updating the Regulation on Homologation of Telecommunications Equipment and Devices under public consultation. The initiative is being developed with technical cooperation from the International Telecommunication Union under Paraguay’s Regulatory Impact Analysis and Regulatory Simplification project.
Importantly, the document does not introduce new requirements at this stage. Instead, it identifies technical, procedural, economic, and institutional shortcomings that may be addressed during later stages of the Regulatory Impact Analysis.
Why is the Paraguay homologation reform being considered?
Paraguay’s principal homologation regulation has been in force since 2009. Since then, CONATEL has issued separate resolutions addressing technologies such as low-power devices, LPWAN, Wi-Fi 6E, cellular equipment, and 5G.
However, CONATEL’s analysis indicates that these changes have not modified the underlying structure of the 2009 regulation. As a result, the framework has become fragmented and does not fully reflect technological convergence or current market conditions.
The problem formulation identifies uncertainty for emerging product categories, including:
- Low-power IoT devices
- Wearables, such as smart rings and health monitors
- Drones with video transmission
- Smart TV boxes
- 5G NR equipment
These categories are not specifically addressed by the current regulation. Therefore, companies may need to consult CONATEL on a case-by-case basis without standardized criteria or predictable processing times.
Potential technical and cybersecurity considerations
The consultation also highlights the absence of cybersecurity requirements within Paraguay’s current homologation framework.
For comparison purposes, the document references Brazil’s ANATEL Ato No. 77/2021 and the European EN 18031 standards for radio equipment. It also identifies the need to consider personal data protection and the secrecy of communications when evaluating connected equipment. These references are part of the regulatory diagnosis and should not be interpreted as standards already adopted by CONATEL.
Additionally, the document reviews existing developments involving:
5G NR equipment
Paraguay has established technical parameters for IMT/5G systems in the 3.700–3.800 MHz band under RD No. 3339/2025. The wider 3.5 GHz context is also addressed through decisions related to mobile broadband licensing.
Wi-Fi 6E
CONATEL authorized the 5.925–6.425 MHz band for low-power Wi-Fi 6E systems through RD Nos. 1034/2025 and 1035/2025. The 6.425–7.125 MHz sub-band remains prohibited under those decisions.
Future reform may seek to integrate these technology-specific decisions into a clearer and more consistent homologation framework.
Digitalization and administrative simplification
Another major issue is the limited digitalization of the current process.
Although applicants can monitor an application through an online platform, they cannot use it to file applications, upload documents, respond to observations, or receive certificates electronically. The source also notes the absence of native electronic files, digital signatures, and comprehensive online traceability.
Consequently, the future reform process may evaluate:
- Fully electronic applications and files
- Digital signatures
- Online responses to technical observations
- Electronic certificate issuance
- Delegation of approval to specialized technical units
- A public register of homologated equipment
- Greater interoperability between CONATEL and the National Directorate of Tax Revenue, or DNIT
These are potential areas for evaluation rather than confirmed procedures.
Model families and risk-based conformity assessment
The current system requires each model to be processed individually. According to CONATEL’s analysis, a manufacturer with ten cosmetic variants of the same equipment could be required to maintain ten separate applications and pay approximately Gs. 8,500,000 in total fees.
Therefore, the analysis considers whether a future regime should introduce homologation by family of models. Such an approach could allow technically equivalent variants using the same radio hardware to be addressed under one application.
Moreover, the international benchmark discusses risk-based approaches, including declarations of conformity for lower-risk equipment. Nevertheless, Paraguay has not yet adopted such a mechanism. The consultation is part of the process through which potential alternatives may later be evaluated.
Other matters identified for possible clarification include:
- Formal recognition of FCC, CE, and ANATEL certifications
- Electronic labeling
- Continuity of the original Registration Number during renewals
- Differentiated treatment according to equipment type or risk
- Clearer rules for internationally issued test reports
How to participate in the consultation
The public consultation is open from July 24 to August 2, 2026.
Comments, suggestions, or contributions must be submitted to:
Participants must properly identify themselves. CONATEL also provides a spreadsheet questionnaire for submitting suggestions and proposals.
Organizations involved in manufacturing, importing, certifying, testing, or commercializing telecommunications and connected equipment should review the problem formulation carefully. Comments should clearly distinguish between current requirements, identified problems, and recommendations for a future regulatory framework.
For assistance with telecommunications equipment approval strategies and international conformity documentation, explore Entirety’s Product Certification Service.
Impact Assesment
Technical Standards? 
Yes
Type Approval & Market Access? Yes
Imports, Customs, Trade, or Market Surveillance? Yes
Spectrum Management? Yes
