Houston-area internet provider reports that theft of copper wiring is a significant issue plaguing their operations

Houston police have apprehended an individual accused of disrupting internet service for 30,000 customers by stealing copper wiring. Identified as Bill Baker, also known as John Williams, court records indicate the 50-year-old is facing charges including damaging critical infrastructure. The incident occurred on Jan. 18, during which over 400 feet of cable was discovered on the ground in the 500 block of Atascocita Road in Humble. Surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store implicated Baker in the crime. The outage affected Comcast Xfinity and Brightspeed customers, including two 911 call centers and numerous medical facilities. Service was restored within a day.

The arrest offers optimism, according to Rui Dos Santos, a Brightspeed supervisor, as it marks progress in addressing the issue. This year alone, Brightspeed has reported 11 incidents of copper line cutting and fiber line damage. Last year, they documented at least 112 thefts across several areas, resulting in service disruptions for customers. The company faces challenges in apprehending thieves, who often target both hanging cables and buried lines for copper. Brightspeed has installed cameras in strategic locations but struggles to catch perpetrators in the act. Despite efforts to repair damage promptly, thieves have returned to steal newly replaced copper. Brightspeed is collaborating with customers and law enforcement while transitioning to an all-fiber network, which is less attractive to thieves.