Ñuble Region faces telecommunications and digital TV connectivity gaps

The Undersecretariat of Telecommunications (Subtel) has identified connectivity failures across 41 rural points in the Ñuble Region of Chile. Inspections conducted in the Itata Province and other sectors, including Cobquecura, Ninhue, and Trehuaco, revealed that several services are either non-operational or functioning inefficiently. Notably, 31 of these locations are part of mandatory service obligations from the 5G contest for rural areas in the Itata Valley.

Subtel officials stated they are evaluating formal charges or official notices against the responsible companies. Additionally, infrastructure maintenance in areas like Cerro Cayumanque is being hindered by deteriorating access roads.

Parallel challenges exist regarding digital terrestrial television (TDT) coverage in the region. While signals are available in Chillán and parts of Cobquecura and Cayumanque, other communes such as San Carlos lack their own TDT signals. Technical factors, including transmitter power, geographic obstacles, and antenna orientation, contribute to uneven reception across the region, meaning regional channels do not provide uniform coverage to all municipalities.