Communication in Paraguay

Paraguay has no single communication system covering every situation. Everyday contact is mainly mobile and digital, while authorities, companies and service providers also use offices, telephone lines, web forms, email, the Portal Paraguay and postal services. The suitable channel depends on urgency, confidentiality, internet access, the institution's rules and whether the communication needs a formal record. A phone call or office visit can resolve an urgent matter, while email, a web form or registered postal service can provide evidence of what was submitted and when. The two official languages are Spanish and Guaraní. Under Law 4251, communication with public officials may take place in either official language. Official notices, forms, printed materials and official advertising must use both languages, and state services are intended to communicate bilingually. Indigenous people may also use their own language. A private company or service provider may follow different language practices, so the available language and interpretation support should be checked before relying on a channel. Mobile communication is widespread. The EPHC 2025 reported mobile-phone access in 98.6% of urban households and 95.7% of rural households. Household internet access was 85.5% in urban areas but 49.5% in rural areas, and internet use among people aged ten and over was 85.4%. These figures make mobile calls, SMS and WhatsApp practical for many people, but they do not make online-only communication suitable for every location. An institution should provide or identify a physical, telephone or other usable alternative when internet access is limited. The National Telecommunications Commission, known as CONATEL, regulates telecommunications and supports user and service-quality protection. Customers can use mobile or internet services on prepaid or postpaid contracts, and tariffs depend on the provider and selected service. Number portability allows a customer to keep a mobile number when changing providers. The account holder requests it from the receiving provider and presents identification. The transfer can take up to five working days, may interrupt service for up to 30 minutes between 1:00 and 5:00, and may occur only once every 30 days. The permitted fee is up to Gs. 21,864 including VAT, although the provider may waive it. For an emergency, 911 connects the caller with the Police National emergency and dispatch system. It is intended for emergency communication rather than ordinary service enquiries. A caller should give the location, describe the situation clearly and remain available for follow-up questions. The Paraguayan postal service, DINACOPA, provides conventional mail, EMS, parcels, post-office boxes, hybrid mail and logistics services. Customers can send items nationally or internationally through authorized branches. EMS is a priority service, while tracking, prices and delivery times depend on the selected service and destination. Postal access does not require a digital account, but a particular shipment may require an address, identification or other information. DINACOPA sets postal prices. Portal Paraguay is the central government access point for more than 500 online procedures through a website and app. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Some procedures require an Identidad Electrónica account. The portal normally displays requirements, forms, offices, opening hours, communication channels and costs, and some procedures also provide physical or telephone alternatives. Each institution remains responsible for its own procedure, so the portal does not replace the relevant authority's specific rules or deadlines. Portal and Identidad Electrónica support is available at 151 or *151 daily from 07:00 to 22:00, through consulta.paraguay.gov.py and at soporte@paraguay.gov.py. MITIC's formal administrative intake uses sgeneral@mitic.gov.py. Digital communication also creates security risks. CERT-PY and MITIC warn about phishing, malicious APK files and account takeover attempts sent through WhatsApp, SMS or email. Do not share passwords, PINs or one-time codes through a message or phone call. Use two-factor authentication where available and report a suspected incident to abuse@cert.gov.py. A genuine institution's name or logo does not prove that a message is authentic. Accessibility applies to information, communication, emergency services and public administration under Law 4934. The relevant principles include universal accessibility, design for all, reasonable accommodation and protection against discrimination. A person can request the communication format or adjustment needed from the institution and can pursue an administrative or judicial complaint if access is denied. SENADIS is the oversight body. Law 6530 recognizes Paraguayan Sign Language, called LSPy, as an official language for communication and information and as the first language of deaf people. Certified LSPy interpreters may be needed, but a uniform nationwide supply of simultaneous LSPy or easy-language support has not been established. A communication dispute usually starts with the provider or institution involved. For telecommunications, internet services, misleading advertising, poor information or inadequate service, keep the contract, invoice or receipt, messages, photographs and other evidence. If the provider does not respond adequately, the customer can contact CONATEL. Consumer complaints can also be submitted through a municipal consumer-protection office or SEDECO, the Consumer Protection Secretariat, using a digital or in-person form and identification. No Molestar is a free, voluntary, nationwide register for mobile numbers. It covers calls, SMS, MMS, WhatsApp and Telegram marketing contacts, but not email spam. The provider must check the register, and cancellation should occur within 30 days. A complaint about a continued contact can be filed from the 31st day after registration. Exceptions include an ongoing contract and express consent; consent can be withdrawn. Contacts connected with an existing contract are limited to the relevant subject and to 08:00 to 18:00 on working days. Tariffs for mobile, internet and postal services vary by provider or service, while government portal access is available continuously but may still require an office visit or another channel when technology, identity or local access prevents online completion.