Missouri Businesses Are Paying the Price for Copper and Fiber Theft: Jake Morabito in The Center Square
Missouri should take note of how other states safeguard their communications networks, support law enforcement, and act decisively to protect citizens and businesses from any further criminal interference.
The latest op-ed by ALEC Senior Director of Policy Jake Morabito was recently featured in The Center Square, covering how Missouri legislators are addressing the protection of critical communications infrastructure materials following recent thefts of copper and fiber optic materials.
Driven by rising demand and increasing global prices for copper, theft of critical communications infrastructure has emerged as a nationwide crisis. Missouri should take note as legislators across the country increasingly take action to protect this important equipment from criminals seeking to make a quick buck.
Missouri, in particular, has been disproportionately impacted by this theft, suffering more than 300 incidents of broadband infrastructure-related crimes across a six-month period. One provider, Spectrum, experienced a 200% year-over-year increase in felony attacks related to its broadband networks.
Beyond enabling the essential daily communications for all Americans, fiber optic cables and copper undergird the essential communications infrastructure that enables digital commerce and functional public services. Law enforcement, 911 emergency services, and hospitals all rely extensively on reliable communications infrastructure to fulfill their missions and avoid interruption of vital functions.
For example, after thieves cut through and stole underground AT&T copper cables in downtown St. Louis this past September, the Clyde S. Cahill Courthouse and many downtown businesses were left without phone service for over a week.
The costs of communications infrastructure theft and vandalism are widespread. In 2025, AT&T reported nearly $2.2 million in losses due to copper theft in Missouri alone. Beyond the millions of dollars required for replacement and repair, stolen or damaged communications infrastructure creates serious societal risks.
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Fortunately, state legislatures are taking steps to protect critical communications infrastructure. Members of the American Legislative Exchange Council coalesced around common principles for states to hold criminals accountable for illegal activity.