Internet service was temporarily disrupted for nearly 200 Bell customers in southwestern New Brunswick over the weekend, the result of escalating copper theft targeting telecommunications infrastructure. The outages, affecting residents in Durham Bridge, South Portage, and Fredericton, highlight a growing problem for Bell and a potential vulnerability in Canada’s critical communications network.
According to a statement from Bell Media, the outages began Saturday evening in Durham Bridge and South Portage, with Fredericton experiencing disruptions starting around 8 a.m. Sunday. Service was expected to be restored by 5 p.m. Atlantic Time on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The company confirmed that landline service was not affected by the theft.
The incident is part of a larger trend of copper theft across Canada. Bell reported a 40 percent increase in these thefts in 2025, totaling 1,275 incidents nationwide. The stolen copper, valuable for resale as scrap metal, is causing significant disruptions to essential services and incurring substantial costs for repairs and security upgrades.
Rising Copper Theft and Bell’s Response
This isn’t an isolated incident in New Brunswick. In January, a kilometer of Bell’s copper cable was stolen from Welsford, leaving residents without cellular data or landline access. Police subsequently charged three individuals in connection with that theft with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
Bell is taking steps to mitigate the risk of future thefts. The company is investing in security measures, including alarms that alert police when infrastructure is tampered with, increased surveillance, and pursuing legal action against offenders. “We also encourage residents to report any suspicious activity near telecommunications infrastructure to local police,” a Bell spokesperson stated. “Community awareness plays an significant role in preventing future incidents.”
Impact on Residents and Infrastructure
The outages underscore the continued reliance on copper cabling in some areas, despite the ongoing rollout of fiber optic networks. While Bell is expanding its fiber infrastructure – offering what it describes as Canada’s fastest and most reliable Internet – copper remains a vital component of its network in many communities. The theft not only disrupts internet service but also raises concerns about the security of other critical infrastructure.
Bell offers a range of services in New Brunswick, including mobile phone, wireless internet, satellite TV, and home phone services, with stores located in cities like Bathurst, Caraquet, Dieppe, Edmundston, Fredericton, and Moncton. A full list of locations is available on the Bell website.
Looking Ahead
The increase in copper theft presents an ongoing challenge for Bell and other telecommunications providers. Continued investment in security measures, coupled with increased public awareness and effective law enforcement, will be crucial in deterring these crimes and protecting essential infrastructure. The situation also highlights the need for a broader discussion about scrap metal regulations and the economic incentives that drive these thefts.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
