Vandalism Disrupts Telecom and Rail Services in France Ahead of Paris Olympics

Vandals attacked telecom lines in France, disrupting fixed and mobile services ahead of the Paris Olympics. Authorities are working to restore services. The attack, which also affected rail services, led to significant travel disruptions. Around 800,000 people were impacted.

PARIS, July 29 (Reuters) - Vandals attacked telecom lines overnight, disrupting services in parts of France, Marina Ferrari, junior minister for digital matters, confirmed on Monday. Police are investigating any potential links to recent sabotage on the high-speed rail network, which caused travel chaos ahead of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.

Ferrari denounced the vandalism as "cowardly and irresponsible" and assured that efforts are underway to restore services. A spokesperson for telecom operator SFR stated that vandals had targeted their long-distance network in five regions of France early Monday, although the network's traffic rerouting capability minimized customer impact.

Investigations revealed that cables in electrical cabinets had been cut in southern France, while installations near Luxembourg and in the area near Paris were vandalized, primarily affecting fixed-line services. Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete reported that rail services resumed normal operations on Monday morning, but about 800,000 travelers faced disruptions, with 100,000 train cancellations.

(With inputs from agencies.)