Copper Theft and Vandalism Threatening Critical Infrastructure, Say Industry Leaders
Copper theft has evolved beyond petty crime into organized operations.
WASHINGTON, March 1, 2025 - Industry associations and local officials are raising alarms about a surge in copper theft and vandalism targeting telecommunications networks, warning that these crimes threaten public safety and disrupt essential services.
At a Broadband Breakfast Live Online event Wednesday, representatives from major telecommunications associations and local governments discussed the growing problem and potential solutions.
"Over a three-month period where we focused on our survey... there were nearly 4,000 acts of vandalism," said Alex Minard, vice president and lead legislative counsel at NCTA, the Internet and Television Association. "That translates into more than 1,300 a month, more than 40 instances every day."
Alexander Minard
