Vandalism causes internet, streaming outages in LA area
By Jamie Parsons | The Center Square
(The Center Square) - Spectrum technicians are working to restore internet and streaming service in Los Angeles and Ventura County after someone cut the company’s fiber optic lines Saturday.
Spectrum customers living in the Los Angeles area experienced a temporary telecommunications outage early Sunday morning after someone vandalized the company’s network. Spectrum told The Center Square in a statement Monday that similar crimes have been happening to other companies due to the increase in the price of precious metals such as copper, which have been used in telecommunication lines. But fiber optic lines, such as the one used by Spectrum and other companies, don't include copper.
Spectrum technicians restored service in Ventura County by Monday morning, but are still working to restore services in the Los Angeles area, according to the company's most recent post on X. (There were customers in Ventura County who had service restored by mid-Sunday morning.)
Spectrum thanked customers affected by the crime for being patient while they restore their service, and said the company plans to provide a full-day credit to them. Spectrum also said the credit will appear on their next bill and that no action is necessary by customers.
“These acts of vandalism are not only a crime, but also affect our customers, local businesses and potentially emergency services,” Spectrum said.
Spectrum said it is working with the Los Angeles Police Department to find the suspect(s) and encourages people to bring forth information to Spectrum at 833-404-TIPS (8477) or the LAPD.
Spectrum is also offering a reward up to $25,000 to those who provide credible information of the crime that leads to the arrest of any individual(s).
When reached by The Center Square, the LAPD had no further details.