AT&T addressed a significant rise in copper cable theft and vandalism affecting its network infrastructure particularly in California, Texas, and Missouri, by offering monetary rewards for information.
The mobile operator is offering a reward of $20,000 in California, and $10,000 in both the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas and Missouri for information leading to the arrest and conviction of copper cable thieves or those attempting to buy or sell stolen copper.
AT&T stated the value of copper has increased in recent years which has led to a short supply. It is also easily recyclable and can be sold to metal recyclers for cash.
Copper prices vary based on type, but a US scrap recycling site put the value at roughly $3.20 to $4 per pound based on type and purity level.
The operator noted repair time and cost varies based on the extent of theft or vandalism, with replacement parts for copper networks being hard to source.
AT&T added fibre cables can be damaged when thieves mistake them for copper, causing additional network outages.
Security measures include securing entry points, using metal casings for wires and locking or welding manhole lids to protect infrastructure.
AT&T is retiring the bulk of its copper lines by 2029 which includes an initial target of 1,300 central offices this year. It is part of a network modernisation upgrade to fibre.
In March, US Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr outlined initial actions to streamline the process for removing legacy copper lines.