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Copper theft in the Bay Area has exploded in recent years, and it’s hitting more than just streetlights and power poles. Communities, businesses, and residents are facing real disruptions to internet, phone, and utility services. With the upcoming holiday season looming, we are anticipating another spike in copper theft activity.
At the same time, AT&T — one of the largest telecom providers — has publicly admitted that copper-cable theft and vandalism are causing “alarming” damage to its network infrastructure in California, with reward programs of up to $20,000 for tips leading to arrests. (See: AT&T)
Copper Theft Impact on People, Safety & Businesses
Residents: Individuals and families using older “wired” internet or phone services may experience no service for prolonged periods of time. Unexpected outages from copper theft means no internet, phone, or even emergency calls in some cases. That’s especially risky for seniors, those working from home, or people needing connectivity for medical, work, or educational needs.
Public Safety & Infrastructure: Streetlights, traffic signals, and even emergency-service lines are vulnerable. Loss of streetlights or traffic signals can lead to safety hazards for drivers and pedestrians.
Businesses & Providers: Repairs are costly! Not only the scrap-value loss from the copper theft but the labor, replacement parts, and time to restore services. Some telecom providers may respond by raising prices or reducing maintenance frequency to offset mounting costs. Indeed, with theft increasing so dramatically, it’s plausible that over time, providers will pass some of these costs onto consumers.
Are Companies Raising Rates Due to Copper Theft?
While providers may not publicly say they’re raising rates specifically because of copper theft, the mounting costs and network-replacement burden suggest it may be inevitable if it hasn’t happened already. For instance, AT&T has documented “thousands” of cable-theft incidents, and described the problem as a serious threat to network reliability. (Read about it here)
The economic pressure is real, and many providers may soon shift costs to consumers via higher rates or reduced service reliability.
The Solution to Copper Theft May Be Fixed Wireless
That’s where we come in! Unwired Ltd’s fixed wireless internet doesn’t rely on copper wiring — or even fiber cables running directly to your home — it’s immune to copper theft.
No copper means no risk of theft-related outages. Fixed wireless delivers internet via radio signals, avoiding the vulnerable “last-mile” copper entirely.
If you are hesitant to move away from your wired connection, fixed wireless can act as a backup for a very low monthly rate. If your wired connection is disrupted (by copper theft, vandalism, fiber cut, or other damage), a fixed-wireless plan from Unwired Ltd can keep your internet (and phone/data, if using VOIP) alive.
An always-on internet solution offers peace of mind for businesses, remote workers, and critical households.
If you live in the Bay Area and are concerned about disruptions — especially if you’ve heard of outages in your neighborhood — Unwired Ltd offers reliable internet solutions and effective backup services.
Call us today!