AT&T customers in South Dallas losing service after thieves steal copper cables

Some AT&T customers in South Dallas are experiencing extended outages of phone and internet services, which AT&T attributes to thieves stealing copper wire. One neighborhood particularly affected is Green Hill Road in South Oak Cliff, where residents like Reginald Terry have faced frequent service disruptions.

Terry explained that since spring, his AT&T internet has intermittently gone offline for days at a time, a problem shared by his neighbors. Initially, AT&T customer service attributed the outages to storms, even during calm weather weeks. Terry learned the true cause when he encountered an AT&T technician who revealed that copper wire theft was to blame.

“We’re working as quickly as possible to restore home phone and internet service to affected customers in South Dallas following a recent copper cable theft,” said an AT&T spokesperson to NBC 5. “Theft and vandalism of critical communications infrastructure are serious matters that disrupt essential services for our customers, public safety, and the community at large.”

Terry expressed frustration, noting that these outages impact essential services like his son’s ability to work from home, control of his alarm system, and overall household functionality. Despite efforts to adapt, such as listening to radio broadcasts during outages, residents feel that AT&T and local law enforcement should intensify efforts to apprehend the culprits and find a lasting solution.

NBC 5 contacted Dallas police for a response regarding residents’ concerns about increasing action against copper wire theft, awaiting a reply.