"Calls via Orange's mobile network in France have been disrupted since mid-afternoon. Fixed telephony and mobile internet services are fully functional," an Orange spokesman told AFP.

"In case of emergency, Orange recommends joining 112 whose operation is normal. Limited impact can disrupt calls to other emergency numbers (15, 17, 18)," he added.

"Orange is fully mobilized to restore calls as soon as possible. Investigations are underway to determine the origin of this incident," the source added.

In June 2021, the operator Orange had experienced significant unprecedented malfunctions of emergency numbers -- numbers 15, 17, 18 and 112 were for many French people inaccessible or reachable only after multiple attempts.

© 2023 AFP