America’s broadband infrastructure is under unprecedented criminal attack by increasing levels of vandalism, leaving critical emergency services offline, hospitals struggling to function, law enforcement and government services disrupted and communities vulnerable. In response, the broadband industry has launched STRIKE (Strategic Threat Response & Infrastructure Knowledge Exchange), an urgent initiative aimed at confronting what is increasingly recognized as a serious national security crisis. For example, 5,770 criminal acts of theft and vandalism were reported from June to December 2024–approximately 824 per month affecting over 1.5 million customers.
Co-led by industry leaders SCTE®, a subsidiary of CableLabs®, and NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, STRIKE represents a first-of-its-kind executive-level coalition addressing the alarming spike in criminal attacks on essential broadband infrastructure. Many of these incidents go beyond mere acts of vandalism, as they’re deliberate assaults that disrupt key facilities including U.S. military bases, 911 services, fire and police departments, healthcare facilities, law enforcement, government services and agencies, and educational and financial institutions endangering public safety and interrupting economic activity.
“A threat to broadband infrastructure is a threat to our national security,” emphasized Maria Popo, president and CEO of SCTE. “STRIKE ensures that executive-level visibility is directly connected to frontline realities. This coordinated approach is precisely what’s needed to tackle this emerging threat decisively.”
Rikin Thakker, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, underscored the urgency: “This isn’t simply an industry issue; it’s a nationwide emergency. STRIKE will mobilize our collective strength, aligning policy advocacy with strategic operations to strengthen our efforts to protect America’s critical communications infrastructure.”