A group of altnets say lengthy prison sentences for deliberately causing damage to fibre networks should be wielded as a deterrent against vandalism.
This is the main thrust of a letter sent by UK fibre altnets Ogi and Vorboss to Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State who heads up the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Ogi, Vorboss and the dozen or so other altnets that have signed the letter are understandably concerned about the recent spate of attacks on physical infrastructure, and want the government to do something about it.
"Fibre optic networks are the critical digital backbone underpinning our economy. Our homes, businesses, hospitals, financial institutions, public services and more, are connected through fixed fibre assets," the letter says. "Any malicious disruption to these services poses significant risks to both public safety and economic activity."
