Telecommunication - Reports: Glass fiber networks in parts of France cut
Unknown individuals have damaged optical fiber networks in parts of France during the night. According to media reports, six out of the 101 French departments are affected. Paris is reportedly not among them. French Secretary of State for Digital Affairs, Marina Ferrari, wrote on X that nighttime damages affected telecommunications providers.
According to Ferrari, local access to cable, landline, and mobile networks was affected. Efforts are being made for the full restoration of services. Ferrari wrote: "I strongly condemn these cowardly and irresponsible acts."
Newspaper "Le Parisien" reported that providers Bouygues, Free, and SFR were affected. SFR reported vandalism between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM in six areas. Cables were cut. This affected both the landline network and the mobile network - also for foreign providers using SFR's network.
According to the newspaper, it is still unclear how many people were affected by this incident. No one has yet taken responsibility for the damage.
Unknown individuals had carried out attacks on the SNCF French railway network's network on Friday, causing massive disruptions to train traffic just before the opening of the Olympics in Paris. It is still unclear whether there is a connection between the new incident and the railway attack.
The telecommunication disruptions in France have extended beyond domestic providers, as Foreign providers using SFR's network were also affected. These acts of criminality, which include the vandalism of SFR's cables, are causing significant challenges in communications, especially in regions of Germany (historically, France). Despite these setbacks, French authorities are working diligently to restore services and bring those responsible to account.
