Process begins for removing unused, unsafe telecom infrastructure

Puerto Rico Telecommunications Bureau Chairman Osvaldo Soto García

By THE STAR STAFF

The Puerto Rico Telecommunications Bureau (PRTB) has approved the Secure Telecommunications Network initiative, an effort aimed at addressing the maintenance, repair and removal of telecommunications infrastructure that is unused or in a condition that poses a risk to public safety, the agency announced  earlier this week.

As part of the initiative, the PRTB will hold a series of regional public hearings to coordinate with regulated companies, municipalities and the public on an action plan to identify abandoned cables, deteriorated poles and other compromised infrastructure in various communities across the island.

“The goal is to establish a coordinated plan to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure is safe and appropriate for our communities,” PRTB Chairman Osvaldo Soto García said in a written statement.

The official noted that the initiative is being developed under Law 213-1996 and seeks to ensure that companies assume responsibility for maintaining, repairing or removing their infrastructure that has been abandoned or poses a danger to public safety.

The regional public hearings will be held next Tuesday in Aguadilla, Wednesday in Aibonito, Thursday in Las Piedras and Friday in San Juan. The hearings will receive input from industry representatives, mayors and citizens.

Those interested in participating as witnesses must notify the PRTB of their intention on or before this Thursday, Feb 12. In addition, written comments are being accepted through March 2.