Action Alert
Centro Internacional de Solidaridad
October 2, 1996
DON'T PERMIT THE CLOSING OF ANTEL CONCHALIO, LA LIBERTAD
As part of the privatization of ANTEL, the telephone and telegram services in the community of Conchalio in Puerto de La Libertad were suspended as of September 21st.
According to the functionaries of ANTEL, the reason for the closing was because this office was not profitable like many other ANTEL offices that will also be closed soon. "We need to begin to think as a private business."
For the workers of ANTEL and the Community of Conchalio it is unjust that the President of ANTEL is talking about "opening ANTEL" but on the contrary is closing the office that provides a social service to the entire community. This service is vital for the community's communication.
This is evidence that privatization does not bring guarantees that communities currently receiving services will continue to receive telecommunication services and much less to those who do not have service.
With the privatization there will be more that 200 offices of ANTEL closed in El Salvador that have never been "profitable" but serve an important social function. Closing these offices violates Article 110 of the Constitution which states that it is the responsibility of the Government to ensure public service in a permanent and efficient manner.
The Government is talking about privatization as part of "modernizing" the country when in reality it will be a step backward for the poor majority of the country.
The community of Conchalio and the Workers of ANTEL organized by ASTTEL and ASTA have asked that pressure be put on the President of the Republic and the President of ANTEL to reopen the office of Conchalio, La Libertad and prevent further closing of ANTEL office which will leave the affected populations incommunicado.
ANTEL
JUAN JOSE DABOUB, PRESIDENT
FAX: 011-503-221-2112
TELEPHONE: 011-503-271-7171
DR. ARMANDO CALDERON SOL
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR
FAX: 011-503-281-0018
TELEPHONE: 011-503-271-1555
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