Antel Combats Cable Theft with Wireless Solutions

Uruguayan state-run telco Antel will start offering fixed wireless connections for residential customers whose service has suffered as a result of copper telephone cable theft, according to a statement on the presidential website.

No official statistics of losses resulting from cable theft were provided, however, Antel's VP Edgardo Carvalho said that a rough estimate was US$1mn annually.

At the time of installation, users will be given the option to install a modem for wireless internet connection, the government said. Calling costs will not vary.

The statement said the government applauded the senate's recent approval of a bill that stiffens the penalties applicable to anyone found guilty of cable theft."

Posted to the site on 18th April 2007