The Supervisory Body for Private Investment in Telecommunications (OSIPTEL) reported that 300,000 mobile devices will be blocked in November for not being on the white list of the National Registry of Mobile Terminal Equipment for Security (Renteseg) and being linked to people with a negative history.
The blocking process will be carried out in three stages: the November 4, 11 and 18, dates on which 100 thousand mobile devices will be blocked each week. This measure seeks to combat the illegal trade of mobile equipment and strengthen citizen security.
Blocked cell phones with negative behavior will not be able to carry traffic in any of the four operating companies, which is expected to reduce the number of calls for criminal purposes and reduce the black market for cell phone saless.
“Our fight against crime is not going to stop, so we will continue blocking cell phones that are not registered on the white list and with a negative history. To date, 1.8 million mobile devices have been blocked and with this new order we will exceed two million,” said the executive president (e) of OSIPTEL, Jesús Guillén Marroquín.
WHAT IS THE BLOCKING PROCESS LIKE?
The system Renteseg, administered by OSIPTEL, will send the operating companies the order to block cell phones that are not registered on the white list and related to people who use altered (invalid or cloned) IMEI codes.
After that, companies will have a period of up to two business days to send their subscribers the text message (SMS) informing that the blocking of these equipment will be carried out in a maximum of two business days.
If a person receives this message and considers that they acquired the cell phone lawfully, they can go to the customer service offices. OSIPTEL nationwide, carrying the equipment and, if applicable, proof of its legal purchase. Regulator personnel will carry out verifications to determine that the equipment has not been altered.
If the validations are passed, the user must sign an affidavit stating that they have acquired their equipment legally and will thus be registered on the white list.
“With more than two million blocked devices, OSIPTEL consolidates its role as a key actor in the protection of citizens along with working with the Ministry of Labor and Communications, National Police, Prosecutor’s Office, and the central government”Guillén said.
