A series of severe, targeted attacks on infrastructure led Ogi to call for tougher action on fibre vandalism in 2024 – highlighting the impact preventable outages can have on communities left without the connectivity they rely on.
Now, a man who targeted critical fibre infrastructure in Pembrokeshire in 2024 has been sentenced to 16-months in custody (suspended for 2 years) at Swansea Crown Court.
The case follows sustained warnings led by Ogi that cable theft and vandalism are not isolated incidents but a growing threat to national security.
“For us, the issue has never been a trivial one.” said Ogi’s Chief Executive Officer, Sally-Anne Skinner. “When networks are attacked, it’s homes, high streets and public services that feel it first. The impact is immediate and it’s personal.”
In Ogi’s case, local residents and businesses experienced significant disruption while specialist engineers worked day and night to repair the damage and restore services. Crews were pulled from planned build activity and redeployed to put things right. Investment meant for expanding and strengthening the south Wales-based network was redirected into replacing what had been deliberately destroyed.
That’s the wider story behind incidents like this. Every act of vandalism slows progress, diverts skilled teams, and delays new connections – holding back communities that are waiting for it.
Sentencing the 37-year-old man, Judge Huw Rees, said: “People who use that network and people who wanted to make emergency calls in dire circumstances, were prevented from doing so by your actions. Your actions disrupted essential services.”
Commenting on the sentence, Sally-Anne, added: “This sentence sends a clear message that damaging digital infrastructure carries serious consequences. Fibre networks are critical infrastructure – enabling social care services, powering local businesses and keeping families connected. When they are targeted, the ripple effect goes far beyond the initial damage.
“I’d like to thank our engineers and our partners in law enforcement and the local authority for their determination in bringing this case to a conclusion. Our focus remains on building a resilient, future-ready network for Wales and protecting it for the communities we serve.”
Across the sector, there is growing recognition that fibre networks underpin modern life. They are no longer a convenience – but are essential. “That was the message behind Ogi’s industry call, and it remains just as relevant today.” Added Sally-Anne.
Today’s sentencing will be welcomed but it is not the end of the problem. Ogi will continue to work alongside industry partners and authorities to safeguard vital infrastructure and make sure communities and businesses across Wales can rely on the connectivity they depend on every day.
