Copper theft is now killing internet across Oakland neighborhoods

"Organized copper theft is happening 'more frequently and on a much larger scale.' In 2025, AT&T reported more than 10,400 copper theft incidents throughout the country, with an average of 200 per week."

"The more wireless you are, the worse it was! Almost as bad as losing power. I have solar with a battery to avoid that, now I must reactivate my [internet] system to keep internet and wifi."

Copper theft has become a significant issue in the Bay Area, particularly affecting internet service in Oakland. Thieves have targeted telecommunications cables along an 8-mile stretch of Skyline Boulevard, leading to multiple outages. AT&T confirmed that recent outages were caused by these thefts, with incidents reported since January. The company is offering a $20,000 reward for information on the culprits. Organized copper theft is increasing nationwide, with AT&T reporting over 10,400 incidents in 2025 alone.

Read at SFGATE