Venezuelan regulator Conatel launches emergency plan after submarine cable rupture

The National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel) in Venezuela activated an emergency regulatory speed‑up under article 33 of the Organic Telecom Law following a break in a Cirion-owned submarine cable just off the coast. The disruption threatened nationwide internet service, prompting Conatel to fast‑track administrative procedures and approve temporary land‑based connections with Colombian operators. The approvals enable local providers – Thundernet, VNET, Fibex and Airtek – to restore the lost data capacity and maintain connectivity, especially in vulnerable regions. Director‑general Enrique José Quintana Sifontes emphasized that the measures respect existing concessions and are aimed solely at delivering an immediate technical solution.

The plan also includes streamlined cross‑border coordination to bolster the resilience of Venezuela’s digital infrastructure while complying with the legal framework.