Calls for Stronger Protection of US Communications Infrastructure Amid Rising Threats
Four major telecom trade groups in the US are urging federal agencies to take stronger steps to protect the country’s communications infrastructure as attacks on telecom networks increase in frequency and coordination.
The letter, signed by the Internet & Television Association, ACA Connects, NTCA, The Rural Broadband Association, and USTelecom, highlights the escalating threat of organised attacks targeting essential communications systems.
These attacks involve stealing copper or fiber equipment, damaging network lines, and disrupting phone and internet services for many individuals, with recent incidents described as acts of domestic terrorism.
A joint report from the groups revealed over 5,770 incidents of theft and vandalism against telecom infrastructure in the last seven months of 2024, affecting millions of people and incurring significant costs.
Telecom networks are crucial infrastructures recognized by the Department of Homeland Security, and attacks are increasingly posing national security threats with far-reaching economic and societal consequences.
The groups are urging the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI for stronger penalties against crimes targeting telecom infrastructure, stressing the need for federal laws to address attacks on privately owned essential networks.
They are advocating for the Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act of 2025 (H.R. 2784) to empower authorities to prosecute offenders and impose penalties, showcasing a commitment to protecting critical communications infrastructure.
Law enforcement efforts are ongoing to apprehend individuals involved in infrastructure cases, as illustrated by the recent arrest of Jeremiah Ramage for theft and selling of telecom equipment.
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