ISNA news agency reported on Saturday, March 15, citing the public relations director of Iran Telecommunications Company, that approximately 140 billion tomans worth of telecommunications cables have been stolen in Iran over the past five years. Mr. Zareian, who discussed the extent of the damages incurred by the telecommunications company during this period, expressed regret that some in Iran have a 'desire to destroy the property of others.' He stated that a significant portion of the 140 billion tomans in losses suffered by the company was due to the theft of telecommunications cables. This issue has led to the implementation of 'stricter measures to protect telecommunications property, as in some cases these damages have been irreparable.' Experts believe that the copper used in telecommunications cables is valuable, and this is the only reason that could lead to their theft. In Iran, significant monthly reports are typically published in the media regarding the theft of telecommunications cables or the arrest of their thieves. The theft of telecommunications and electrical cables in Iran has become a serious problem for the telecommunications company and the electricity department of cities and villages. The website 'Barq News' reported on August 15, 2014, about the judiciary's intention to establish special branches to address cable theft crimes. According to this website's report, Tehran province ranks first in cable theft, while Khorasan and Sistan and Baluchestan rank second and third, respectively. The theft of copper telecommunications cables in previous years has led to the disconnection of more than 50,000 landline telephone lines at various times. On May 17, 2011, the theft of copper telecommunications cables caused the disconnection of 10,251 telephone subscribers in Tehran. In this context, 'cable theft' resulted in the disconnection of 10,000 landlines in Tehran. Serial thefts in Tehran have reached telecommunications cables.
Theft of Approximately 140 Billion Tomans Worth of Telecommunications Cables Over Five Years
Over the past five years, approximately 140 billion tomans worth of telecommunications cables have been stolen in Iran, leading to significant losses for the telecommunications company. The thefts are attributed to the value of copper in the cables, prompting the company to implement stricter protective measures. This issue highlights ongoing challenges related to infrastructure security in Iran.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Over the past five years, around 140 billion tomans worth of telecommunications cables have been stolen in Iran, leading to significant losses for the telecommunications company. The thefts are primarily driven by the value of copper in the cables.
- Theft of telecommunications cables has resulted in the disconnection of over 50,000 landline telephone lines.
- Tehran province has the highest incidence of cable theft in Iran.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Telecommunications infrastructure is critical for modern economies, and theft of such assets can disrupt services and economic activities. The value of copper makes these cables a target for theft.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%