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Frontier executive warns council copper-cable theft is disrupting 911 and local businesses
Summary
Doug McAllister of Frontier Communications told the council copper-cable theft has hit the company repeatedly in Ontario (about 15 times since Christmas, twice the prior night) and can disrupt 911 services, hospitals and other critical infrastructure; he urged coordinated action with law enforcement and regional partners.
Doug McAllister, vice president for Frontier Communications, told the council that copper-cable thefts are increasing nationally and locally and are causing repeated service interruptions in Ontario.
"It impacts e 9 1 services," McAllister said, and told the council his company had been hit roughly 15 times since Christmas, including two incidents the previous night in Ontario. He said the thefts interrupt business service and can escalate into organized criminal activity because stolen copper is sold offshore, and he urged the city to work with law enforcement and other jurisdictions to prioritize prosecution and prevention.
McAllister offered to meet with city staff, law enforcement and regional partners, and said Frontier would share incident information; he also asked for guidance on how the company could support municipal efforts. The mayor and city staff did not take immediate action on the comment during the meeting but the issue was noted during public comment for follow-up by law enforcement.
