Games rocked by more vandalism as phone lines knocked out

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The French government says multiple telecommunications lines have been hit by acts of vandalism, affecting fibre lines and fixed and mobile phone lines as cities around France are hosting events for the Olympic Games.

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

Marina Ferrari, secretary of state in charge of digital affairs, posted on X that damage in several regions overnight on Sunday to Monday affected telecommunications operators.

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She said that led to localised impact on access to fibre lines and fixed and mobile telephone lines.

Paris 2024 Olympics organisers would not immediately comment.

A French police official said at least six of France's administrative departments were affected, which include the region around the Mediterranean city of Marseille, hosting Olympic soccer and sailing competitions.

Telecom operators Bouygues and Free confirmed their services were affected.

French media reports said lines operated by provider SFR also were hit. The parent company of Free said its teams are mobilized to restore services.

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