Chilean authorities address hazardous aerial telecommunications cabling

Authorities in Chile are addressing the risks and clutter caused by abandoned aerial telecommunications cables. In Coyhaique, the municipality has begun executing a plan under the “Chao cables” law (Ley 21.172), which mandates that telecommunications companies remove out-of-service material from urban environments. The project aims to remove over 9,000 kilograms of debris, focusing on the regional capital and key tourist circuits. To date, two massive interventions have already removed approximately 700 kilograms of cable.

Simultaneously, in the Valparaíso Region, the Ministry of Energy has issued warnings regarding low-hanging and obsolete wiring. Officials noted that these cables pose significant safety risks, including the potential for falling poles, power outages, and fatal accidents if snagged by large vehicles like buses or trucks. Inspections in areas such as Viña del Mar have confirmed the presence of hazardous wiring, prompting coordinated efforts between energy authorities and distribution companies to identify and resolve critical points.