Joint resolution banning signal blockers
The Argentine National Communications Agency (Enacom) and the Ministry of Security adopted a joint resolution in May 2019 banning the use of signal suppressors and signal blocker jammers throughout the country. These devices are capable of interfering with the transmission of mobile phone and other professional signals.
The ban is intended to combat the growing problem of theft, especially theft involving the disruption of car or home alarm systems. Telecom operators also actively support the implementation of the ban, as these devices occupy part of the spectrum.
Exceptions to the use of signal blockers
Although the use of signal jammers is banned nationwide, the ban also provides for some exceptions. National or provincial police and security forces can still use these devices in the case of maintaining public safety.
In addition, the Ministry of Security is authorized to temporarily or permanently install suppressors in fixed locations such as public entities and financial institutions, provided that their use does not affect the communication network in the nearby area. If the use of these devices does cause an impact on the communication network in other areas, the suppressor must be turned off.
Legal status of signal blockers
The resolution clearly states that signal blockers cannot be considered "telecommunications equipment" because they neither transmit, emit nor receive any signals or information. Therefore, the use of such equipment is not covered by Argentina's telecommunications regulations, except in special cases involving public safety. Enacom President Silvana Giudici stressed that the ban is intended to work with the Ministry of Security to combat criminal acts, especially those thefts that are carried out by interfering with alarm systems.
Other measures to combat mobile phone theft
In cooperation with the Ministry of Security, Argentina's communications regulator has taken several measures over the years to combat mobile phone theft.
| Phased measures | The Argentine communications regulator, in cooperation with the Ministry of Security, has taken several measures over the years to combat mobile phone theft. |
| As early as 2016, Enacom launched the first phase of the program to intercept reported lost or stolen mobile phones by IMEI code. | |
| In 2018, the program entered its second phase, expanding to combat counterfeit and adulterated mobile phones. | |
| In March 2018, the two agencies also launched the "Alerta Sofía" program, a rapid emergency response system for publishing information on missing children. |
Rectification of prepaid mobile phone lines
In 2018, Enacom also launched a rectification campaign against unregistered prepaid mobile phone lines. According to Enacom's annual management report, as of December 20, 2018, 29.2 million prepaid lines had been registered, while the total number at that time was 35 million. This work furthers Argentina's efforts to combat illegal mobile phone use and ensure the security of communications networks.
