""In many major metropolitan areas and small towns, copper theft has escalated to levels that can only be described as systemic," Alcutt writes."
""According to Trading Economics, the price of copper has increased by about 33% in the last year, so it is even more attractive to thieves than it once was.""
""Utilities and telecom providers have always addressed aging systems through planned upgrades, maintenance cycles, and capital investment.""
""Last year, Charter referred to the damage of its fiber lines in Van Nuys, California and of broadband infrastructure in Missouri as 'domestic terrorism.'""
The rise in copper prices has led to a surge in copper thefts, costing the broadband industry over $82 million last year. California alone experienced more than 7,300 incidents, resulting in losses exceeding $54 million. Organized crime is increasingly involved in these thefts, targeting not only broadband facilities but also railroads, power utilities, and city infrastructure. Aging copper infrastructure complicates repairs, with damage often going undetected for extended periods. AT&T is implementing security upgrades and coordinating with law enforcement to combat this issue.
Read at Telecompetitor
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