Rising copper prices driven by the artificial intelligence boom have triggered a surge in infrastructure theft, forcing companies like AT&T to implement security measures and pursue legal action.

Key Points

• AT&T reported over 10,400 copper wire theft incidents nationwide last year, with 4,300 occurring in California alone.
• Copper values have roughly doubled in the past year, incentivizing thieves to strip cables from phone lines, streetlamps, and EV chargers.
• AT&T is currently suing California to retire its aging copper network, arguing that state "carrier of last resort" mandates force them to maintain vulnerable infrastructure.
• Mitigation efforts include installing sensors, bolting down manhole covers, hiring private security, and offering a $20,000 bounty for information leading to arrests.
• ChargePoint is developing cut-resistant, Kevlar-impregnated cables to protect EV charging stations from frequent vandalism.

Why it Matters

Copper theft causes significant service disruptions for critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and emergency communication networks. The financial burden of these repairs, combined with the high cost of security, creates a complex challenge for utility providers balancing public safety with the transition to modern fiber-optic technology.