Cable Vandalism Causes Verizon Service Outage, Company Reports
Service disruptions plagued Verizon customers in Los Angeles County due to cable vandalism, as confirmed by the company’s spokesperson. Reports of internet and cellular interruptions began on Friday morning and continued throughout the day.
Cable Vandalism Causes Verizon Service Outage
By Friday afternoon, Verizon identified “multiple fiber cuts due to acts of vandalism” as the primary cause for these outages. The spokesperson emphasized that such acts represent a threat to community safety and security.
Impact on Customers
- Disruptions affected various neighborhoods in Los Angeles County.
- The total number of impacted customers remains unspecified.
- It is unclear when full service restoration will occur.
Other utility companies have reported similar incidents of vandalism, especially targeting valuable metal wiring. Thieves continue to seek out copper and scrap metal, often resulting in widespread service disruptions.
Legislative Response
On Monday, Assemblyman Mark González held a press conference discussing the repercussions of copper theft. He represents District 54 and has proposed a bill requiring state licenses for reselling copper wire and other recyclables.
- González expressed frustration over the negative impacts of copper theft on public safety and connectivity.
- “Californians are tired of paying the price for that theft that steals more than copper,” he stated.
During the conference, District Attorney Nathan Hochman provided insights on the nature of fiber optic cables. He highlighted that these cables are primarily made of plastic and glass and do not contain copper, which significantly lessens the motivations for such vandalism.
Conclusion
Vandalism targeting fiber optic cables poses serious risks to essential services in communities. The ongoing issue of copper wire theft highlights the need for legislative measures to safeguard infrastructure and ensure public safety.
