- More than 420 security incidents, primarily copper theft, to
Bell's network since January
2022
- Most impacted regions include Ontario with 46% of incidents, New Brunswick with 24% and Québec with
17%
- Millions in damages to critical infrastructure and hundreds of
hours of service interruption for customers as a result
- Bell calls on provincial and federal governments for increased
fines and amendments to the Criminal Code to protect critical
infrastructure
FREDERICTON, NB, June 28,
2023 /CNW/ - Bell recently filed a lawsuit in
New Brunswick against Stuart McCann, who has been criminally charged
with theft of copper wire. The lawsuit alleges Mr.
McCann stole copper telephone wire, causing approximately 1,000
customers in the Fredericton area
to lose home phone, Internet and TV for approximately 12 hours.
Bell is also pursuing all of Mr. McCann's co-conspirators,
including any individuals or scrap metal businesses who knowingly
purchased the stolen copper.
"With 420 security incidents on Bell's network since
January 2022, 75% of which being
copper theft, we are taking extra measures to protect our critical
infrastructure by issuing lawsuits against people accused of
vandalism. Our customers deserve reliable communications networks
to stay connected and reach emergency services, which is taken from
them after each incident until repairs are completed."
- Dana
Lohnes, Director of Field Services, Bell Aliant
Bell intends to vigorously prosecute this claim, and pursue
future claims against individuals and scrap yards who engage in
copper wire theft or trafficking.
Incidents of copper theft are on the rise, responsible for 75%
of security incidents on Bell's network. Vandals are cutting down
telecommunication cables from poles to steal the copper wire and
then selling that copper for cash. Each incident takes on average
10 to 12 hours to repair, and during this time customers may not
have access to Internet, TV and home phone, which impacts their
ability to reach emergency services.
Extra alarms, security and support from local law enforcement
isn't enough of a deterrent. Bell is calling on provincial and
federal governments to help communications providers improve the
resiliency of Canada's telecommunications networks. Governments
need to take decisive, timely action to increase fines and make
amendments to the Criminal Code, reflecting the essential nature of
this critical infrastructure on the security of this country.
About Bell
Bell is Canada's largest communications company1,
providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet, media and
business communication services throughout the country. Founded in
Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn
more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.
Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a
better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and
economic prosperity of our communities with a commitment to the
highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This
includes the Bell Let's Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian
mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns
like Bell Let's Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community
care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives
throughout the country. To learn more, please
visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.
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1 Based
on total revenue and total combined customer connections
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Media inquiries
Katie
Hatfield
katie.hatfield@bellaliant.ca
@Bell_News
Investor inquiries
Richard Bengian
richard.bengian@bell.ca
SOURCE Bell Canada