Mexico City Grapples with 17,000 Tons of Unused Cabling: A Growing Public Hazard
Mexico City, September 11, 2026 – Mexico City is facing a significant urban challenge, with an estimated 30,000 tons of cabling suspended across the city, 60 percent of which is non-functional and poses a constant risk to residents. This alarming figure translates to approximately 17,000 tons of discarded wiring cluttering the urban landscape, according to recent reports.
The issue stems largely from the lack of obligation for internet and telecommunications companies to remove old wiring when customers switch providers. “Why is there so much trash hanging from the cables, from cables hanging in the sky? Why? Well, because you change your home internet, and the company is not obliged to remove the cable it used to provide you internet; they leave it there because it’s cheaper for them,” explained Deputy Cecilia Vadillo in an interview with MVS Noticias.
New Legislation and Citizen Participation to Tackle the Problem
In response to this escalating problem, Deputy Vadillo, a member of the Morena party, highlighted recent modifications to the Urban Development and Civil Protection Law. These amendments, enacted just a month ago, mandate that borough authorities begin identifying and removing these hazardous cables. The goal is to mitigate the permanent risk they present to the population.
However, the deputy also emphasized the crucial role of citizen participation in addressing this widespread issue. She urged residents to actively report any dangerous cabling in their neighborhoods through designated channels. Citizens can send a WhatsApp message with photos of the hazardous wiring to 5550078967 and then call Locatel at *0311 to generate a service ticket. This process ensures that the borough or city government is obligated to address the reported risks.
A Three-Phase Strategy for a Cleaner and Safer City
Deputy Vadillo outlined a comprehensive, multi-stage plan to bring order to the city’s cabling infrastructure:
- Identification and Removal: The immediate priority is to locate and remove all non-functional cables. This initial phase is critical for addressing immediate safety concerns.
- Corporate Collaboration: Subsequently, authorities aim to establish agreements with telecommunications and internet companies. These agreements will compel companies to share responsibility for the removal and proper management of their infrastructure.
- Long-Term Undergrounding: The ultimate long-term vision is to transition to underground cabling throughout the city. This approach, already implemented in some cities both nationally and internationally, would significantly enhance urban aesthetics, improve safety, and reduce visual pollution.
The current situation not only presents a physical danger from falling wires or potential electrical hazards but also contributes to urban blight, detracting from the city’s visual appeal. The initiative to clear the overhead clutter is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life and safety for Mexico City residents.
This effort comes as other cities in Mexico have also begun tackling similar issues. For instance, Monterrey recently reported the removal of 1.37 million meters of disused cable, demonstrating a growing national awareness of the problem.
The success of this initiative in Mexico City will depend on the sustained efforts of local authorities, the cooperation of private companies, and the active involvement of its citizens in reporting and advocating for a safer urban environment.
Source: MVS Noticias
