- More than 170 incidents of copper theft to Bell's network over
the last 15 months, largely in New
Brunswick, Ontario and
northern Québec
- Over $3M in damages to critical
infrastructure and hundreds of hours of service interruption for
customers as a result of these thefts
- Bell calls on provincial and federal governments for increased
fines and amendments to the criminal code to protect critical
infrastructure
MONTRÉAL, April 12,
2023 /CNW/ - Bell recently filed a lawsuit against
Sylvain Fleury, arrested by police
in connection with the theft of copper wire from Bell Canada. Bell is also pursuing all of Mr.
Fleury's co-conspirators, including any individuals or scrap yard
businesses who knowingly purchased the stolen copper.
"The lawsuit is another step we are taking to protect our
critical infrastructure against recurring theft and vandalism.
Reliable communications networks are essential for everyone to run
their business, stay connected and connect to emergency services.
With over 170 incidents of vandalism in the last 15 months, extra
alarms, security and support from local law enforcement isn't
enough. We need the government's help in prioritizing increased
fines and amendments to the criminal code to protect our critical
infrastructure."
- Nick
Payant, VP Operations Services and Core Network,
Bell
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. 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.
Bell is calling on provincial and federal governments to help
communications providers improve the resiliency of Canada's
telecommunications networks. Governments need to take bold, 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 company, 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.
Media inquiries
Katie
Hatfield
Katie.Hatfield@bellaliant.ca
@Bell_News
Investor inquiries
Richard Bengian
richard.bengian@bell.ca
SOURCE Bell Canada