Chile implements ‘Chao Cables’ plan to remove aerial telecommunications clutter

Chile is implementing the ‘Chao Cables’ national plan, a regulatory initiative by the Undersecretary of Telecommunications (Subtel) to remove and organize unused aerial telecommunications cabling. The plan aims to address visual pollution and public safety risks, targeting over 66,000 intervention points across 319 communes over three years.

Temuco has been identified as having the highest number of intervention points in the country, with 740 locations scheduled for work. In the La Araucanía region, a total of 4,586 points are programmed for removal and organization between 2026 and 2028. The initiative follows safety concerns, including an incident where a cyclist was injured by low-hanging cables.

In the Maule Region, the plan will cover all 30 communes, involving 4,916 intervention points. Talca is expected to have the highest regional concentration with 449 points. Under Law No. 21,172, telecommunications companies—including ClaroVTR, Movistar, WOM, Entel, GTD, and Mundo—are required to maintain infrastructure, identify cables, and remove decommissioned equipment within a maximum of five months.