Are El Salvador phone numbers regulated by the government?

[rabiakhatun785]

Yes, El Salvador phone numbers are indeed regulated by the government. The primary regulatory body responsible for telecommunications in El Salvador is the General Superintendence of Electricity and Telecommunications (SIGET).

SIGET: The Regulator of El Salvador's Telecom Sector
SIGET is an autonomous public service institution established to oversee and develop both the electricity and telecommunications sectors in El Salvador. Its mandate includes applying the norms contained in international treaties, national laws, and regulations related to these sectors. Specifically for telecommunications, SIGET's responsibilities are broad and encompass various aspects of phone number administration and the overall market.


Key areas of SIGET's regulatory oversight include:

Spectrum Management and Concession: SIGET is responsible for the administration and allocation of radioelectric frequencies (spectrum) to telecommunications operators. This includes conducting public tenders for spectrum, which is essential for mobile phone el-salvador phone number list services (2G, 3G, 4G, and future 5G technologies). They ensure that spectrum is utilized efficiently and competitively. Recent initiatives, such as the elimination of base prices and annual fees for satellite internet concessions, demonstrate SIGET's role in attracting investment and expanding connectivity.

Numbering Plan and Administration: While specific details on the intricate administration of individual phone numbers (like assigning blocks to carriers) might not be widely publicized, SIGET is fundamentally responsible for establishing and maintaining the national numbering plan. This includes defining the length of phone numbers, country codes, and prefixes used for different services (mobile, landline, special services).
Interconnection of Networks: SIGET plays a crucial role in ensuring mandatory interconnection between different telecommunications operators. This means that a customer on one network (e.g., Tigo) can call a customer on another network (e.g., Claro) seamlessly. This promotes competition and ensures universal service.
Consumer Protection and Rate Regulation: SIGET is tasked with promoting and improving the quality of telecommunications services and ensuring the establishment of "reasonable rates" for both fixed and mobile telephony. They also handle disputes between operators and are involved in consumer protection, though the focus has often been on market liberalization.
Market Competition and Oversight: El Salvador's telecom legislation is known for being relatively liberal, encouraging competition and allowing foreign investment. SIGET works to maintain a competitive environment and prevent monopolies, as evidenced by their assessment of proposed mergers and acquisitions in the past (e.g., the potential sale of Telefónica El Salvador to América Móvil). The Superintendency of Competition also plays an antitrust role.