Internet & Mobile in France: How the Market Works | Selectra English Moving to France? We've Got You Covered
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France has one of the most competitive telecom markets in Europe. Four major operators share the market: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free, offering internet, mobile, and TV services across the country. Whether you've just arrived or are planning your move, this guide explains how the French telecom market works and helps you find the right starting point.
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How the French telecom market works
The French telecom market is built around four national operators, each running its own network infrastructure: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free. Together, they cover virtually the entire country for both mobile and fixed internet. Each operator also runs a low-cost sub-brand — Sosh (Orange), RED by SFR, B&You (Bouygues) — offering no-contract, online-only plans at reduced prices.
Alongside the big four, a range of MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) rent capacity from these networks to offer their own plans. Names like Lebara, Lycamobile, La Poste Mobile, Coriolis or Prixtel are popular with expats looking for flexible, low-commitment options.
One defining feature of the French market: most plans are contract-free. Since Free disrupted the market in 2012 and drove prices down sharply, operators compete aggressively on price and flexibility. You can switch providers at any time without penalty on most plans, and prices for unlimited data mobile plans start under €10/month.
Internet in France: what you need to know
The main connection types
French households can connect through four technologies, depending on their location:
- Fibre optics (FTTH): now available to the majority of French homes, with speeds up to 8 Gbps. The gold standard for households and the technology France is actively expanding nationwide.
- ADSL/VDSL: uses the existing copper telephone network. Still available in many areas, but being phased out by 2030. Slower and less reliable than fibre.
- 4G/5G box: a plug-and-play router using the mobile network. No installation required, ideal for temporary stays, rural areas, or while waiting for fibre. Available without commitment from most major operators.
- Satellite: last-resort option for remote areas with no fixed or mobile coverage. New-generation solutions like Starlink have significantly improved speeds and latency.
💡 Good to know: France plans to shut down the copper ADSL network entirely by 2030. If you're setting up internet for the long term, fibre is always the recommended choice when available. You can also check fiber coverage using ARCEP's interactive map.
What's included in a French internet plan
Most French internet subscriptions are "triple play" packages: they combine broadband, a landline phone line (with unlimited calls to French and international numbers), and a TV service. Premium plans from operators like Free or SFR also bundle streaming subscriptions such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
Low-cost brands (RED by SFR, Sosh, B&You) focus on internet-only packages, simpler and cheaper, with TV available as an optional add-on. Prices for a standard fibre plan start at around €20–30/month with low-cost operators — see our cheapest internet offers for current deals. Prices can rise to €40–60/month for premium bundles with TV and streaming.
Need help choosing an internet plan?
Our English-speaking advisors can check fibre eligibility at your address, compare offers, and complete the sign-up for you — in English. Free service, no obligation.
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Mobile in France: what you need to know
Prepaid vs. post-paid: which is right for you?
The French mobile market offers two main plan types:
- Prepaid SIM cards: no contract, no monthly commitment. You pay upfront for what you use. Ideal for tourists, short stays (under 3 months), or anyone who hasn't yet set up a French bank account. Available at operator stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.
- Post-paid (forfait) plans: a monthly subscription offering larger data allowances, EU roaming, and often unlimited calls. Most are now contract-free, meaning you can switch or cancel at any time. A French bank account and proof of address are usually required to subscribe.
💡 Pro tip
Starting with a prepaid SIM is often the smartest move on arrival. It gives you a French number immediately, which you'll need for admin tasks like banking, rental agreements, and utilities. You can always switch to a post-paid plan later, keeping the same number.
Price ranges to expect
The French mobile market is one of the cheapest in Europe, driven by intense competition since Free's arrival in 2012:
- Entry-level plans (5–20 GB data): €5–10/month with low-cost brands
- Mid-range plans (50–150 GB, EU roaming included): €10–20/month
- Unlimited data plans: €20–30/month with major operators
Plans that include a subsidised smartphone require a 24-month commitment and are priced higher.
Not sure which mobile plan to pick?
Our English-speaking team can help you compare SIM cards and post-paid plans from all major operators — and subscribe on the spot. Free service.
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Compare SIM cards and post-paid plans from all operators. English-speaking team, free service.
Where to go next
Now that you have an overview of the French telecom market, here's where to go depending on what you need:
| I need to… | Go to |
|---|---|
| Compare internet plans and subscribe | |
| Get a French SIM card or mobile plan | |
| Compare operators in detail | |
| Cancel or switch my current plan | |
| Get internet for a holiday home |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a French bank account to get internet or a mobile plan in France?
For most post-paid plans, yes, a French bank account (RIB) is required. For prepaid SIM cards, no bank account is needed: you pay upfront in cash or by card. As a workaround on arrival, get a prepaid SIM first, then open a French bank account (online banks like Revolut or N26 are quick) before subscribing to a post-paid plan or internet box.
What documents do I need to subscribe to an internet or mobile plan in France?
For a post-paid mobile or internet plan, you typically need: a valid ID (passport or national ID card), proof of address in France, and your RIB (French bank account details). For prepaid SIM cards, a valid ID is usually sufficient — no proof of address or bank account required.
Is fibre internet available everywhere in France?
Fibre is available to the majority of French homes, but coverage varies significantly between urban and rural areas. If fibre isn't yet available at your address, the best alternatives are ADSL (being phased out by 2030) or a 4G/5G box, which requires no installation and is available without commitment from most operators. Use our eligibility checker to find out what's available at your address.
Can I get a French mobile plan without a long-term contract?
Yes, the vast majority of French mobile plans are contract-free (sans engagement). You can cancel or switch at any time without penalty. The only exception is plans that include a subsidised smartphone, which typically require a 24-month commitment. Low-cost brands like Sosh, RED by SFR, and B&You are entirely no-contract.
Which French operator is best for expats?
It depends on your priorities. Orange is the most reliable network and offers English-speaking customer support, ideal if you need assistance in English. Free is the easiest to subscribe to on arrival, often requiring only a credit card (no French bank account needed for some plans). RED by SFR and Sosh offer the best value for no-contract plans. See our full operator comparison for current offers.