Residents and businesses in the Nord Ardche region are currently facing significant disruptions due to vandalism incidents resulting in extensive damage to the local fiber optic network. The events unfolded during the night of March 12-13, 2025, as the public fiber optic network known as Ardche Drome Numrique (ADN) was targeted, impacting approximately 700 homes and businesses.
The affected communes include Saint-Agreve, Mars, Devesset, Labatie-dAndaure, Saint-Jeure-dAndaure, Rochepaule, Saint-Andre-en-Vivarais, Saint-Martin-de-Valamas, Saint-Julien-dIntres, and Lachapelle-sous-Chaneac. With major damage sustained, telecom services have been severely hindered, leaving residents without internet and landline phone connectivity, and these disruptions are expected to last until the beginning of next week.
Teams from ADTIM FTTH, which operates the fiber network for the ADN joint syndicate, have been deployed to assess the damage and prioritize repairs. Their tasks include evaluating the extent of the damage to infrastructure, restoring connectivity to main lines, and coordinating with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to resume services for affected subscribers.
dWe regret this act of vandalism, which directly impacts the residents, businesses, and public services of the affected areas, officials from ADN and ADTIM FTTH stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. A complaint was filed with the local gendarmerie as investigations begin.
These incidents of vandalism are not isolated. Earlier this month, on March 11-12, 2025, connection cabinets were also vandalized at key locations, particularly noting incidents at Saint-Agreve and Saint-Martin-de-Valamas. This follows similar damages reported on February 20 when another cabinet was attacked near the golf intersection at Mars. The interconnectedness of these locations indicates the vandalism’s broad targeting.
The impacts of these attacks are felt throughout the region, significantly affecting individuals and businesses dependent on the Fiber to the Home (FTTH) services. It’s reported approximately 1,000 connections may be compromised, with key restoration timelines stretched as community leaders express concerns over the ramifications.
dWe were already encountering issues with the old copper network, and we encouraged residents to switch to fiber, but look at the outcome now, lamented Franois Roche, the mayor of Mars, highlighting the unfortunate irony of the situation. Many local businesses face challenges maintaining operations without stable internet services, particularly during budget planning periods.
The financial toll of these incidents is staggering, with estimates of damages reaching around €400,000 according to data from ADN and ADTIM. This figure reflects the extensive nature of the repair work needed and the subsequent loss of functionality for numerous local services.
To address the immediate needs caused by the interruptions, some telecom operators have initiated strategies to help customers manage the disruption. Offering temporary packages with additional data, they encourage the use of mobile smartphone connections for internet access as the repairs progress. This kind of creative solution is necessary as communities rally together to support each other through this challenging time.
These escalations come during tumultuous weather conditions reported recently, including severe storms causing outages impacting thousands of homes due to downed power lines across the Ardche region. On one occasion, nearly 11,000 residents lost electricity for about one hour during these weather disturbances. With the complications arising from weather combined with direct vandalism, it has been increasingly difficult for community officials to maintain consistent service and connectivity.
While police investigations continue, community leaders are urging the public to remain vigilant against such acts of destruction. The damages not only hinder access to necessary communication services but also undermine the infrastructure laid for technological advancements across the extent of the Ardche region.
dThis is not just about light-speed internet connections, noted Michel Villemagne, the mayor of Saint-Agreve. dIt is about the investments our communities have made to progress technologically and connect with the digital world. We must find avenues to protect and promote our network against futures threats.
The ADN syndicate reassures the community of their commitment to restoring services as swiftly as possible and emphasizes their long-term plans to achieve full fiber service across the Ardche territory, aiming for completion by the end of 2026. This vision relies on substantial investment, totaling €75 million, reflecting the seriousness with which local leaders view connectivity as integral to public and economic well-being.
Community response to these issues culminates not just from frustration but also from resilience as they join forces to restore connectivity. Local leaders encourage unity and proactive engagement within their municipalities to combat any future disruptions, ensuring everyone has the resources they need to navigate modern communication landscapes effectively.
With plans underway for the recovery and reconstruction of the damaged services, residents await updates and hope for restored connectivity soon, eager to return to functioning online and efficient economic activities.