Analysis: Copper Theft’s True Toll Understated in Telecom Infrastructure Reports

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2025 — Attacks on the nation’s communications networks have escalated, and new industry data understates the true scope of the damage, according to one analysis

More than 15,000 incidents were recorded between June 2024 and June 2025, disrupting service for about 9.5 million Americans. Copper theft and sabotage were the leading causes, with California and Texas accounting for more than half of all recorded cases.

Economist Edward Lopez estimated the outages cost society $38 million to $188 million in six months. “These incidents don’t just cut cables,” Lopez said. “They cut people off from commerce, education, healthcare, and access to public safety.”