Criminal fiber optic attack knocks out Spectrum service in Pasco

Spectrum internet and cable TV service was interrupted for several hours Sunday in Pasco and elsewhere in the Tri-Cities after fiber optic lines were intentionally cut by thieves apparently seeking copper.

There is no copper in a fiber optic lines. However, once it is cut, each individual fiber must be meticulously spliced back together before service is restored.

“This morning our fiber optic lines were intentionally cut in a criminal attack on our critical infrastructure, resulting in a temporary outage for some residents and businesses in parts of Pasco,” said a Spectrum statement on Sunday.

“Today is the latest in a number of attacks that have impacted customers in these areas. Criminal attacks on communications infrastructure are a growing issue affecting the entire telecommunications industry, not just Spectrum,” said the statement. “These acts are not only a crime but threaten public safety.”

The statement said the telecommunications industry had 15,540 attacks between June 2024 and June 2025, affecting more than 9.5 million customers nationwide.

A message had been sent to Spectrum customers about 9 a.m., and officials said the fiber lines in Tri-Cities were repaired and services restored by 2 p.m. Sunday.

This story was originally published January 18, 2026 at 7:23 PM.