Canada’s telecom companies are sitting on billions in copper, yet theft is rising as they replace old copper networks with fibre-optics. Telus projects $500M from copper recycling over five years, while Bell cites security concerns, with 88% of network break-ins linked to copper theft.
In Hamilton, theft reports nearly tripled from 2022 to 2023. Rogers downplays copper’s value but also faces vandalism. Telcos are pushing for stricter laws, arguing the current penalties fail to deter criminals. With copper demand set to rise, industry leaders warn the problem may worsen without stronger legal protections.
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