What's Happening?
The cable industry has initiated a new program called the Strategic Threat Response & Infrastructure Knowledge Exchange (STRIKE) to address the growing issue of network vandalism. Led by the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) and NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, STRIKE aims to highlight the national security threat posed by attacks on broadband infrastructure. The initiative is chaired by Comcast's EVP and Chief Network Officer Elad Nafshi, with Charter Communications' EVP of Field Operations Tom Monaghan as vice chair. The program involves data sharing and best practices among operators, including Altice USA, Cable One, Cox Communications, Mediacom Communications, and Rogers Communications. Recent reports indicate a significant rise in theft and vandalism incidents affecting broadband networks, with over 5,770 documented cases from June to December 2024 impacting more than 1.5 million customers. STRIKE seeks to ensure that state and federal regulators take notice and classify certain attacks as domestic terrorism, especially those affecting critical emergency services.
Why It's Important?
The rise in network vandalism poses a significant threat to national security, as these attacks can disrupt essential services such as hospitals, schools, and emergency communications. The cable industry argues that these are not victimless crimes, as they can lead to widespread service outages and impact public safety. By classifying certain attacks as domestic terrorism, the industry hopes to prompt more stringent legal actions against perpetrators. This initiative underscores the importance of protecting broadband infrastructure, which serves as a lifeline for various critical services. The STRIKE program aims to elevate the issue to ensure that policy and enforcement keep pace with the growing threat, advocating for coordinated federal, state, and local action.
What's Next?
STRIKE is set to hold its first strategic meeting at the SCTE TechExpo 2025 in Washington, DC, from September 29 to October 1. The meeting will provide an executive briefing on STRIKE and discuss potential actions and goals for the next 90 days. The initiative may also offer additional industry guidance on best practices or create new standards to enhance business continuity and disaster recovery. The cable industry continues to push for legislative support, backing H.R. 2784, which aims to amend Title 18 of the US Code to treat attacks on public and private networks equally.
Beyond the Headlines
The STRIKE initiative highlights the broader implications of network vandalism, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure protection akin to that of power grids and water supplies. The program seeks to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive strategies for safeguarding broadband networks. This effort reflects a growing recognition of the critical role that telecommunications infrastructure plays in national security and public safety.
