Communication lines hit by vandalism, says French government, Paris 2024 Olympics, vandalism, telecommunications lines, France

Paris: French authorities say several telecommunications lines have been hit by vandalism, including fibre optic lines and landlines and mobile phones, as cities across France host events for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The extent of the impact is unclear, as is whether it has affected Olympic activities. The vandalism came after arson attacks hit train networks across France on Friday, hours before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

Marina Ferrari, the undersecretary in charge of digital affairs, posted on X that damage in several regions from Sunday to Monday affected telecommunications operators. She said this led to local impacts on access to fibre optic lines and fixed and mobile phone lines.

The organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics have yet to comment.

A French police official said at least six French administrative departments were hit, including the region around the Mediterranean city of Marseille, which is hosting Olympic football and sailing competitions.

Telecom operators Bouygues and Free confirmed their services were affected. French media reported that lines operated by provider SFR were also affected. Free’s parent company said its teams had been mobilized to restore services. | AP