US Telecom Providers Urge Action to Secure Internet and Network Systems

Four major telecommunications trade associations in the United States are urging federal authorities to strengthen protections for the nation’s communications infrastructure, following a rising wave of theft and sabotage targeting network equipment and lines. In a joint letter to the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the FBI, the groups warn that attacks on telecom networks are becoming more frequent, better coordinated, and increasingly destructive, and they call for tougher laws and stiffer penalties.

The letter was signed by the Internet & Television Association, ACA Connects, NTCA—The Rural Broadband Association, and USTelecom. The associations highlighted a surge in organized incidents that target essential communications systems, noting these attacks can disrupt phone and internet services for large numbers of users and impose substantial financial and societal costs.

Common tactics include the theft of copper wiring and fiber-optic equipment, as well as deliberate damage to network lines. In several cases, service interruptions have affected wide areas and many customers. Charter Communications recently described one such incident as an “act of domestic terrorism,” underlining how seriously operators view the risk.

Beyond immediate repair costs, the associations emphasize broader consequences. A recent joint report from the groups documented at least 5,770 reported incidents of theft and vandalism against telecom infrastructure during the final seven months of 2024. Those incidents contributed to internet outages that affected more than 1.5 million people, with total losses running into the millions of dollars.

The trade associations argue that the attacks increasingly resemble national security threats. The Department of Homeland Security designates communications networks as one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors. When telecom systems are disrupted, the effects can cascade across emergency services, airports, military installations, and other sectors that rely on stable connectivity.

“Critical infrastructure attacks pose a significant national security threat,” the letter states. “The attacks demonstrate increasing sophistication, coordination, and intent to disrupt services with potential economic and societal consequences.”

To address the problem, the associations ask DHS and the FBI to support stronger criminal penalties for offenses targeting telecom infrastructure. They urge Congress to close a legal gap by amending federal law—specifically Title 18, Section 1362 of the U.S. Code—so it clearly covers attacks on privately owned communications networks that serve a public function, not only government-operated systems.

“While existing statutes reach government-targeted attacks, a gap remains in protecting the vast array of privately owned but publicly essential networks,” the letter explains.

The groups also support proposed legislation, the Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act of 2025 (H.R. 2784). That bill would enable federal prosecution of individuals who steal from or intentionally damage private telecom facilities and would establish enhanced penalties. Supporters say enactment would demonstrate a clear federal commitment to protecting critical communications infrastructure and holding perpetrators accountable.

The push for stronger legal tools comes as law enforcement continues to investigate and arrest suspects in infrastructure crimes. In one recent case, authorities in Buckeye, Arizona, arrested a 38-year-old suspect, Jeremiah Ramage, accused of stealing equipment from multiple cell tower sites and reselling it online. Reportedly, the recovered equipment was worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The trade groups’ appeal to federal agencies highlights growing concern across industry and government that protecting communications infrastructure requires updated laws, better coordination, and sustained enforcement attention—especially as attacks become more sophisticated and widespread.

(Photo by JJ Ying)

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