Optimum Restores Service to 18,000 After Copper Thieves Hit St. Albans Facility
Updated
Updated · WSAZ · Jul 26
Optimum Restores Service to 18,000 After Copper Thieves Hit St. Albans Facility
1 articles · Updated · WSAZ · Jul 26
Summary
About 18,000 Optimum customers in Kanawha County lost phone and internet service after copper thieves damaged a network facility in St. Albans, with some landline users unable to reach 911.
Friday night damage triggered an immediate repair response, and Optimum said service was fully restored by about 12:30 a.m. Saturday after police came to the site and a report was filed.
The company said the theft exposed public-safety risks tied to attacks on telecom infrastructure and urged residents to report unmarked vehicles or unidentified people working near network equipment.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case as Optimum frames copper theft as a growing problem for providers and communities.