Prison Phone Line Blocks Surge 97% in Two Months

The blocking of phone lines used for unauthorized communications in prisons saw a significant increase between September and October 2026. According to data from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies (Mintic), the three major operators reported substantial rises in restrictions, reflecting intensified efforts to combat illicit activities.

Operators Report Sharp Increases in Blocked Lines

Tigo led with a 97.08% surge, blocking 473 lines compared to 240 in the previous period. Wom followed with an 86% increase, blocking 93 lines, while Claro saw a 34.65% rise, restricting 408 lines, up from 303. Collectively, the operators blocked 974 lines, a 64.25% jump from 593. This sharp increase shows the growing collaboration between government agencies and telecom providers to address prison security challenges.

IMEI-based blocking, targeting individual devices, also increased. Claro reported the largest rise at 51.09%, blocking 346 devices, up from 229. Wom and Tigo blocked 141 and 251 devices, respectively, reflecting their ongoing efforts to curb unauthorized device use. Overall, IMEI blocks rose by 37.17%, from 538 to 738 devices, highlighting the effectiveness of targeted technological interventions.

Government and Operators Collaborate on Security Measures

These figures were presented by Mintic Minister Alexandra Falla and Justice Minister Iván Cancino, who credited the results to joint efforts with telecom companies and prison authorities. Mintic has requested operators adjust network settings to reduce signal strength inside prisons, a measure designed to disrupt unauthorized communications and prevent criminal activities like extortion. This technical approach complements broader security strategies aimed at enhancing prison control.

The government also introduced a new protocol involving the National Spectrum Agency (ANE). This initiative includes a priority response team to expedite technical checks in prisons, reduce response times to reports, and improve coordination among involved entities. By streamlining processes, the protocol aims to enhance the efficiency of security measures and deter illicit communications more effectively.

Strengthening Prison Controls and Legal Framework

The Justice Ministry, working with the National Penitentiary and Prison Institute (Inpec), aims to tighten controls within prisons to prevent unauthorized device use. These measures include enhanced surveillance, stricter entry protocols, and regular inspections to detect and confiscate prohibited devices. By closing gaps that enable inmates to coordinate criminal activities, authorities seek to improve overall prison security and public safety.

The efforts are supported by legal frameworks, including decrees 1069 of 2015, 694 of 2018, and 851 of 2024, as well as resolution 2774 of 2013. These regulations outline procedures for controlling communications and blocking devices identified in unauthorized use within prisons. Together, they provide a robust legal foundation for enforcing security measures and holding violators accountable, ensuring sustained progress in combating prison-based criminal activities.