Reward is part of company’s broader effort to protect critical communications infrastructure from thieves
Copper theft is on the rise in the U.S. Thieves are targeting copper cables because of their valuable metal content, and with higher copper prices, they have even more incentive to steal. This is an issue we take seriously at Frontier—because it affects our customers.
As the largest pure-play fiber internet provider in the country, we deliver fast, reliable fiber connectivity to millions of homes and businesses. While we are focused on expanding the reach of our fiber network, we still have customers who rely on our legacy copper network. And we share the same commitment to providing world-class service for all our customers—both fiber and copper.
When thieves cut copper cables, they damage critical communications infrastructure and can disrupt service for people, businesses and communities—including emergency responders. Often, they mistake fiber for copper and cut those lines too—resulting in even greater disruption, especially as more customers and essential services move to fiber.
To combat this growing issue, we’re tripling our reward to $15,000 for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of copper thieves—now in effect across our entire footprint.
This increased reward is part of our ongoing, multi-part approach to combatting copper theft. Our broader strategy includes:
- Partnering with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to raise awareness of the issue and drive action against thieves
- Using various surveillance technologies like tracking devices and cameras
- Working closely with local management to ensure quick, thorough incident reporting—with our employees even helping catch thieves
- Participating in industry summits alongside our telecom peers to share strategies and strengthen responses
“Copper theft is a serious issue that’s becoming all-too-common. We’re working with our local employees on the ground, law enforcement, government officials, and community members to bring attention to the issue and protect our network from thieves who put the connectivity that our customers rely on at risk,” said Veronica Bloodworth, Frontier’s Chief Network Officer.
Information about copper theft should be reported to Frontier’s Security Operations Center at 800-590-6605 and to the law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the theft. More information about reward eligibility can be found below.
