Several weeks ago, SUTEL posted several short notices on their Web site regarding cellphones in Costa Rica. Based on one of the notices, The Costa Rica Star article entitled “Reporting Stolen Phones in Costa Rica: SUTEL Blacklist,” provided the numbers to call for reporting a stolen cellphone. However, the article left several questions unanswered. I contacted SUTEL, and now have the additional information.

The IMEI number does not have to be listed in the SUTEL database, for SUTEL to blacklist the phone. Consequently, Costa Rican users of unlocked GSM phones, who did not purchase their cellphone from an authorized Costa Rican cellphone dealer, can still report the stolen phone, and have it blacklisted. Once a phone is blacklisted, it cannot be activated in Costa Rica, or any country supporting the International blacklist.

If your phone is recovered, you can have the phone removed from the blacklist. SUTEL does require proof that you were the person who reported the cellphone as stolen. The police report with the IMEI number is the key to removing the phone from the blacklist. There was an Internet news article several months ago regarding Apple recovering a stolen iPhone, when it was sent in for repair. However, they could not return it to the owner, as the owner had no proof that he reported the phone as stolen, and that it was indeed his phone. A good lessen to be on top of your stolen phone filing and documentation.

Since the IMEI number is the key, you need to keep a list of the IMEI numbers of every cellphone that you own. For most cellphones, you can retrieve the IMEI number by dialing *#06#. You can also find the IMEI number on a label under the battery. The IMEI should also be on your purchase receipt for the phone. Without the IMEI number, you cannot get the stolen phone blacklisted. A report from the UK shows that aggressive blacklisting of phones has dramatically reduced the number of stolen phones. Not only does it make the phone worthless to the thief, it also puts them at risk of being arrested.

At the same time the SUTEL posted the information on reporting a stolen phone, they posted another article on the increased number of certified cellphones in use. In March of 2012, SUTEL reported that of the 4 million cellphones used in Costa Rica, 2,354,006 were SUTEL certified phones. To be certified a cellphone must pass a number of tests.

SUTEL requires that a cellphone be able to make a 911 call, without having a SIM card in the phone. In addition, the phone must meet the frequency requirements for Costa Rica. The tests also certify that phone calls, SMS, MMS, GPRS/EDGE/HSPA, and email actually work on Costa Rica networks. There are other tests, but these are the critical tests to insure compatibility, and safe usage in Costa Rica.

All certified cellphones have a seal on the inside of the unit, usually under the battery. On sealed phones, such as the iPhone, you can check settings -> general -> information -> regulations. If you can’t find the seal, you can check CETCA, or Fruno. When you enter the IMEI number of your phone, you should get a page describing your phone. If the IMEI number is not registered in the database, then it is not a certified phone.

Before purchasing, or unlocking, a non-certified phone, you should check to see if your phone has been tested. For this you need to search for both the manufacturer, generic name, and model number. The model number is extremely important, as many phones have the same generic name (e.g. Samsung Galaxy SII), but different model numbers. If you find a match for your phone, there is a good chance that it will work in Costa Rica. When a phone is not in the list, it still may work. However, you need to research the specifications, before using the phone.

SUTEL recently published a report regarding fees regulated by SUTEL. According to the report, SUTEL no longer sets a limit to fees charged for SIM card replacement. The carrier is now responsible for clearly publishing all fees, including the cost of SIM card replacement. SUTEL still sets limits for cellphone usage costs, so your cellphone rates are not going to rise any time soon.

The Costa Rica Star will continue to publish any news from SUTEL that impacts on you, the consumer. If you have any questions, we will seek to find the answer.