Copper Theft and Cable Vandalism Disrupt U.S. Telecom Networks

More than 18,000 theft and infrastructure-vandalism incidents were reported across U.S. communications networks in 2025, disrupting service for nearly 12 million customers as telecom companies and law enforcement step up efforts to protect copper and fiber systems.

By Paul Ploumis
Published September 10, 2026

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Copper theft and communications-infrastructure vandalism are creating growing operational and public-safety problems across the United States as thieves target older telecommunications lines and, in some cases, mistakenly cut fiber-optic cables while searching for copper.

Telecommunications companies historically relied heavily on plastic-coated copper cable to carry data. Although operators have increasingly shifted toward fiber optics, copper remains in parts of the network and continues to attract theft because of its resale value.

When copper or fiber lines are cut, homes and businesses can lose phone, internet and other communications services until crews replace or repair the damaged infrastructure.

AT&T lead investigator for global security Jim Lekse said the consequences extend beyond property loss because outages can affect 911 connectivity, law-enforcement dispatch, cell towers and other critical systems.

Officials from AT&T, Spectrum, Comcast and state and local law-enforcement agencies met at the Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center in Indianapolis on August 31 to discuss ways to protect critical communications infrastructure.

Copper Value Continues to Attract Theft

Lekse said thieves closely watch copper values and often become more active when prices rise.

Once copper is stolen, thieves may attempt to sell the material through scrap yards or metal recycling facilities. The source article cites prior Indiana investigations involving OmniSource and Troy’s Trash and Recycling in connection with purchases of stolen copper.

The article cited roughly $4 per pound as an indicative scrap-yard value for copper at the time of reporting. Actual yard prices vary by grade, recovery, location and material condition.

Lekse said thieves may cut sections of cable from utility poles and remove or burn off plastic insulation before attempting to sell the copper.

Raw copper is generally easier for recyclers to process than insulated material. Removing insulation can also eliminate identifying features that might help trace stolen wire.

Recent Indianapolis incidents cited in the source involved Wayne Township Preschool and Life Church 180. Copper theft and fiber-optic vandalism also left some west-side AT&T customers without internet service for several days in November 2024.

The activity can also be deadly. Indiana State Police believe a 41-year-old man was electrocuted on August 5 while attempting to steal copper wiring from a utility pole along Interstate 70 in Indianapolis.

More Than 18,000 Incidents Disrupted Nearly 12 Million Customers

More than 18,000 communications-infrastructure theft and vandalism incidents were reported nationwide in 2025, disrupting service for nearly 12 million customers.

The problem extends beyond copper networks. Spectrum uses fiber-optic cable, but the company said its lines are also cut by thieves apparently searching for copper.

Josh Moore, area vice president for Spectrum’s Midwest South Management Area, said the company had already recorded more line-vandalism incidents by the end of August 2026 than during all of 2025.

Fiber repairs can be particularly time-consuming because a single cable may contain hundreds of individual strands. Crews may need to reconnect those strands one by one, meaning service can return to different neighborhoods at different times.

Moore said repairs can take from two to 12 hours or longer, creating significant network downtime. He added that such outages can affect businesses as well as 911 call centers, hospitals, banks and other critical facilities.

Indiana Tightens Rules for Telecommunications Wire

AT&T is working with scrap yards to help identify stolen copper lines. Lekse said the company disposes of its retired copper in Illinois, meaning AT&T material offered for sale in Indiana should draw additional scrutiny.

Indiana has long required people selling copper to provide identification, vehicle information and statements affirming that the material is not stolen. Buyers are required to retain transaction records along with a photo or video of the seller and the material.

Senate Bill 271, effective July 1, 2026, imposed additional restrictions on telecommunications network wire.

Sellers must provide further documentation showing they are authorized to sell telecommunications wire. Buyers that knowingly purchase stolen material or fail to obtain required documentation can face a Level 6 felony, carrying a potential sentence of six months to three years and a fine of up to $10,000.

Despite tighter rules, telecommunications companies and law enforcement continue to report theft and vandalism incidents, keeping scrutiny on both infrastructure protection and downstream scrap-metal transactions.

Courtesy: www.inkfreenews.com