San Carlos begins implementation of ‘Chao Cables’ Law

The Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) has begun implementing the ‘Chao Cables’ Law in San Carlos, Chile. This initiative mandates that telecommunications companies identify, organize, and remove unused cables and network elements from public spaces.

In this initial phase, more than 300 critical points in the commune will be addressed. The project is a coordinated effort involving Subtel, the Ñuble Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Transport and Telecommunications, local telecommunications operators, and the municipality. Key streets identified for intervention include Chacabuco, Brasil, Ramón Freire, David Gazmuri, Vicuña Mackenna, Pedro Lagos, Ernesto Riquelme, Maipú, and Independencia.

The works are expected to continue over the coming months, with a projected completion date between January and February 2027. Under the regulations, unused network elements are classified as waste, and the responsibility and costs for their removal lie with the operating companies. Once a municipality requests an intervention, operators must respond within 10 business days, and removal must occur within 30 calendar days following verification of the unused status.