Stopping the Theft and Destruction of Broadband Act of 2025

This bill adds broadband internet service to an existing federal law that bans destroying or damaging key communications systems. In plain terms, it makes it a federal crime to willfully harm or shut down broadband internet service, similar to the protections already given to other communication lines. It also defines “broadband internet access service” as mass‑market service by wire or radio that lets users send and receive data across most of the internet, excluding dial‑up, and includes services the FCC rules are equivalent.

Key points:

• Who is affected: Anyone who damages or disables broadband networks; internet providers; communities that rely on internet access.
• What changes: Federal criminal law would clearly cover destruction of broadband internet service, with a specific definition of what counts as broadband.
• When: Would take effect after becoming law.