The French government has informed that multiple telecommunications lines have suffered from vandalism, impacting fibre optics and fixed as well as mobile phone lines across cities hosting the 2024 Paris Olympics events.
The extent of the damage and its effect on Olympic activities remain uncertain. This incident follows arson attacks on France’s train networks on Friday, just hours before the Olympic opening ceremony.
Marina Ferrari, the Secretary of State for Digital Affairs, announced on social media that overnight damage from Sunday to Monday in several regions has disrupted telecommunications services, leading to localized issues with fibre optics and telephone lines.
However, the organizers of the Paris 2024 Olympics have not yet issued a statement.
A French police official disclosed that at least six administrative departments were impacted, including the area around Marseille, which is hosting Olympic soccer and sailing events. Telecommunications companies Bouygues and Free have confirmed disruptions to their services. Free’s parent company has stated that efforts are underway to restore services.
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin retweeted a news story on Monday about the arrest of a far-left activist linked to the sabotage of France’s high-speed rail network the previous Friday.
Despite the arrest, the Paris prosecutor’s office clarified that it was unrelated to Friday’s incidents and that no arrests have been made in the ongoing national investigation into the arson attacks.
