Protecting America’s Connectivity

Our broadband networks keep us safe, connected, and thriving — but attacks on our nation’s critical infrastructure are putting us all at risk.

A Growing Threat to Our National Security
A Growing Threat to Our National Security

Broadband network attacks are increasing, leaving communities vulnerable to outages and critical service disruptions. Policymakers must act on this clear and present danger.

What’s Happening

Criminals are targeting broadband networks by cutting fiber cables, sabotaging facilities, and stealing copper to sell as scrap. These attacks cause outages, disrupt emergency services, and put entire communities at risk.

Why It Matters

These attacks are not isolated. Whether you live in a city or a rural town, everyone depends on reliable broadband.

When networks go dark, emergency responders lose vital communication that can mean the difference between life and death. Households lose access to remote work, education, and telehealth. Businesses are forced offline. Restoring service can take hours — or even days.

What Needs to Be Done

Policymakers must recognize attacks on communications infrastructure as serious crimes by equipping law enforcement with the resources to investigate and prosecute offenders. Strengthening penalties by updating state and federal laws will send a clear message and help deter future attacks.

Did You Know?

100,000
+
miles
of fiber-optic cable are at risk of sabotage across the U.S.
700
+
incidents
were reported in the first seven months of 2024.
1.5
million
Americans lost service due to these attacks in 2024.