Find the best Internet & Mobile providers near you in France (2025)

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telecom in france

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telecom in france

Looking for a Mobile Phone or Internet Plan in France?

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If you've just moved to France, choosing the right internet provider in France or mobile operator is essential. Major providers include Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free, offering broadband, fiber, ADSL, and mobile plans with 4G/5G coverage. Find the best plan for your location, speed, and budget.

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French phone & internet companies in France

France's telecom market is dominated by four major providers: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free. These companies offer both internet and mobile services across the country, providing options such as fibre optics, ADSL, and 4G/5G mobile coverage. If you're new to France, understanding the market structure will help you choose the right provider for your needs.

In addition to these main operators, there are numerous Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), which rent network access from the big four. MVNOs often provide more affordable or specialized plans, including options for expats and prepaid SIMs.

💡 Good to know: Most providers also operate low-cost offshoots: Orange has Sosh, SFR has RED by SFR, and Bouygues Telecom has B&You. These brands focus on online management, no-contract Internet & mobile plans, and budget-friendly options.

Which are the main Internet & phone providers in France? 

Orange

Orange logo

(Pronunciation: "aw-rahnj") Formerly known as France Telecom, Orange is the historic leader in both internet and mobile services in France. It remains the largest telecommunications operator, with extensive 4G and 5G coverage and around 500 physical boutiques nationwide. Orange also provides an English-speaking customer service line, making it easier for expats to get help.

Orange offers internet, fixed phone, and mobile plans, as well as Orange television services. In rare areas called zones non-dégroupées, Orange still owns the fixed-line infrastructure, which can make ADSL plans slightly more expensive. Fibre optics subscriptions are unaffected. Orange also operates a low-cost brand, Sosh, which focuses on online management, contract-free plans, and combined offers.

SFR

SFR logo

(Pronunciation: "ess-eff-air") SFR (Société française du radiotéléphone) is one of France's major telecom providers, serving over 20 million mobile customers and 6 million broadband subscribers. It was the first operator to roll out 5G coverage in France and has a wide network of stores and online support.

SFR also runs the budget-friendly RED by SFR, which offers internet and mobile plans without contracts, plus options including fixed phone lines and television. These brands are ideal for expats or anyone looking for flexible, easy-to-manage services. More about how to contact SFR in this article.

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Free

Free Mobile logo

(Pronunciation: "free") Free is a major mobile and internet provider in France, launched in 2009 by Iliad. It ranks as the third-largest telecom operator, serving around 15.5 million mobile and 7.5 million broadband customers. Free is known for its contract-free mobile and internet plans, appealing to both locals and expats.

Primarily online-based, Free now operates over 150 stores in France. Its combined offers cover multiple services, including mobile + internet, internet + TV, and full multimedia bundles, providing flexibility for users who prefer managing everything digitally.

Bouygues Telecom

Bouygues Telecom logo

(Pronunciation: “Bweeg Tel-eh-com”) Bouygues Telecom , a subsidiary of the French industrial group Bouygues since 1994, serves approximately 15 million mobile customers and 4.9 million broadband users. Bouygues Telecom provides mobile phone plans (including 5G coverage), Internet, fixed phone lines, and television plans.

Like other major operators, Bouygues runs a low-cost brand, B&You, focusing on no-contract mobile plans, online-based support, and combined offers. This makes it an attractive option for expats or anyone seeking flexibility without long-term commitments.

Staying in France for less than 3 months?For For short stays under three months, consider a pay-as-you-go SIM card instead of a full contract. It provides a French number and affordable international calls without long-term obligations

red
Forfait RED 120Go 5G
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
120 GB
   5G
8,99€
free
Série Free 110Go 5G
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
110 GB
   5G
Starting from
8,99€
See offer Partner offer
bouygues
Forfait B&You 80 Go 5G
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
80 GB
   5G
8,99€
See offer Partner offer
orange
Série Spéciale SaferPhone 5 Go
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
5 GB
   4G
9,99€
See offer Partner offer
sosh
Forfait Sosh 80Go
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
80 GB
   4G
9,99€
See offer Partner offer
bouygues
Forfait B&You 120 Go 5G
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
120 GB
   5G
11,99€
See offer Partner offer
bouygues
Forfait B&You 200 Go 5G
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
200 GB
   5G
13,99€
See offer Partner offer
red
Forfait RED 250Go 5G
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
250 GB
   5G
13,99€
sfr
Forfait SFR 20 Go 5G
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
20 GB
   5G
15,99€
sosh
Forfait Voyage 200Go 5G
No contract
 Unlimited
 Unlimited
200 GB
   5G
15,99€
See offer Partner offer

Non-exhaustive selection of mobile plans, sorted by lowest price first.

Who are the cheapest Internet & mobile phone providers in France ?

In France, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are companies that sell phone plans and sometimes internet services without owning their own network infrastructure. They rent network access from the major operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom) and offer plans under their own brand. This allows them to provide competitive prices while still using the same network quality and coverage.

MVNOs often focus on specific customer needs, such as prepaid plans, contract-free options, or international calling for expats. Some also offer internet packages, bundles with mobile plans, or perks like discounts and referral rewards.

Because they don't operate their own infrastructure, MVNOs can be flexible with pricing and promotions, making them a good option for newcomers or budget-conscious users. However, customer support is usually online-based rather than in physical stores, so it’s worth checking the support options before subscribing.

Here is an overview of the main French MVNOs:

Main French MVNOs in 2025
MVNOPronunciationParent networkPlans & offers
soshsoshOrangeContract-free mobile plans, contract mobile plans, package offers (mobile + Internet, mobile + Internet + TV), mobile phones
redhredd by ess-eff-airSFRContract-free internet and mobile plans, optional packages with TV/fixed line
prixtelprheextelSFRContract-free mobile plans, phones and tablets online, consumption-based pricing, eco-friendly
corioliscorh-rhi-oh-leesSFRMobile plans (prepaid & postpaid), online-based customer service
cdiscount-mobilesay-discountBouygues TélécomLow-cost mobile plans, online subscriptions only
auchan-telecomoh-shahn te-le-comBouygues TélécomMobile plans (with and without contract), family-oriented, sold in Auchan stores
nrj-mobileenergy mo-beelBouygues TélécomPrepaid and postpaid 4G mobile plans, contract-free, discounts on phones
la-poste-mobilelah puh-st maw-beelBouygues TélécomPrepaid and postpaid mobile plans (contract-free), customer service online/phone/mail/post offices
lebara-mobilelay-bah-rah maw-beelSFRMobile plans and prepaid SIMs, online/phone/mail support
lyca-mobilelee‑ka mo‑bileBouygues TélécomPrepaid and postpaid mobile plans, international calls focus, no-contract
nordnetnorh-netOrangeSatellite internet, ADSL, fibre, many plans include a fixed phone line, internet security 
syma-mobilesi-maSFR4 mobile plans, prepaid SIMs for wide/international audience
youpriceyou-priceSFR et OrangeLow‑cost mobile plans, adjustable data, without contract
reglo-mobileray‑glo mo‑bileSFRMobile plans without contract, budget‑friendly, SFR Network

Find an Internet or mobile provider near you

Whether you’ve just moved to France or are changing address, it’s important to know which internet and mobile providers are available in your area. Coverage and technology (fiber, ADSL, 4G, 5G) can vary greatly depending on your exact location, so checking local availability is a key first step before choosing a plan.

Internet providers near me : eligibility test

Wondering which internet providers near me are available in France? With our eligibility tool, it's easy: just enter your address below and you’ll instantly see which operators and plans are available at your location.

This quick check lets you discover all the options (fiber, ADSL, 4G/5G Box, Satellite) so you can compare providers that actually serve your home. It's the fastest way for expats to find the right internet connection without wasting time on unavailable offers.

Type your adress

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    💡 Good to know: Even in suburban or rural areas, fiber access might be available through certain operators or government-supported initiatives.


    Free service

    Check mobile network coverage in France

    In France, 4G coverage now reaches over 99% of the population across all operators, ensuring strong and stable connection almost everywhere. The rollout of 5G networks is still ongoing: each provider is deploying its network at a different pace and focusing on different frequencies.

    You can use our mobile coverage tool to check the number of 5G sites in your town, along with detailed data by operator. The information comes directly from ARCEP, France's national telecom authority, ensuring up-to-date and reliable insights.

    This tool is especially useful if you want to:

    • Verify whether your city is covered by 5G
    • Compare 5G deployment by operator in your area
    • Understand the real difference between 4G and 5G availability in your area

    Please enter the name of your city.

    💡 Good to know: Even if 5G isn’t yet available where you live, 4G networks in France already offer excellent speed and stability, more than enough for most everyday uses.

    How to choose an Internet or mobile provider in France

    Always check availability before comparing prices

    First things first, start with an eligibility test (for broadband only): as we explained earlier, not all providers offer the same technologies (fiber, ADSL, or 4G/5G home internet) in every area. There's no point comparing fibre optics offers if your building isn't connected yet.

    With our eligibility tool, you can instantly see which technologies are available at your exact address and which providers operate there. This step prevents wasted time on deals that don't apply to your location and ensures you only compare plans that actually work where you live.

    In short: always start with where you live, not with who's cheapest.

    How to compare Internet plans

    Once you know which technology (fiber, ADSL, or 4G/5G box) is available at your address, the next step is choosing the type of internet offer that matches your lifestyle and budget. French providers tend to bundle several services together, but not everyone needs all of them.

    Here’s how to choose wisely:

    • Internet-only offers: Ideal if you mainly need a connection for work, streaming, or browsing. They're often cheaper and simpler to manage.
    • Internet + TV bundles: A good option for families or anyone who wants access to French and international channels. However, these offers can cost €5–10 more per month, and most content is in French.
    • Internet + mobile bundles: Most providers reward customers who combine their home and mobile plans with discounts or extra data.
    • High-speed or premium plans: If you work remotely, share your connection, or use connected devices heavily, it's worth choosing a plan with guaranteed high upload/download speeds.
    • No-contract offers ("sans engagement"): Perfect for newcomers, short-term residents, or those unsure how long they'll stay. You can cancel anytime without penalties.

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    Choosing the right mobile plan

    Picking a mobile provider in France depends less on who’s "best overall" and more on which one fits your habits and where you live. Here’s what to look for before signing up:

    • Network coverage in your area: Even though all major providers cover over 99% of the population in 4G, signal quality can vary by neighbourhood or building type. Before choosing, check each operator's coverage map to make sure your home or workplace has strong reception.
    • Roaming and international calls: If you often travel within the EU, most plans include EU roaming at no extra cost. For travel outside the EU or frequent calls abroad, Orange usually have the best global reach and dedicated international add-ons, and Free includes a large amount of data.
    • Data allowance: Heavy users, especially those relying on mobile data for work or streaming, should go for high-data or unlimited plans.
    • Contract flexibility: If you’re unsure how long you'll stay in France, or you simply don't want to deal with cancellation fees, go for no-contract plans, offered by Sosh, RED by SFR, Free, B&You, or other MVNOs.
    • Extra perks: Some providers include cloud storage, entertainment platforms, or family plan discounts. While these might seem secondary, they can make a difference if you're using several services at once (mobile + TV + home Internet).

    💡 Pro-tip: customer support in France

    Dealing with telecom issues in French can be challenging. Some providers offer limited English-speaking support, while others let you manage everything online. Before subscribing, check expat forums or Google reviews: they’re often the best way to find out which providers are easiest to deal with.

    Glossary of Mobile Phone-Related Terms
    French PhraseEnglish DefinitionFrench PhraseEnglish Definition
    ForfaitMobile phone planPrépayéPrepaid
    EngagementPlan with a contractSans engagementPlan with no contract
    Forfait bloquéBlocked planRechargeRecharge credit
    Appels illimitésUnlimited calling time24/2424/7
    Tous opérateursAll operatorsFactureBill
    France métropolitaineContinental FranceDurée de validitéValidity period
    SouscrireSubscribeRésilierCancel

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I get an Internet plan in France without a French phone number or bank account?

    Most providers require a French phone number to subscribe. If you only have a foreign number, it's best to visit a local store to check whether the operator can accommodate your situation. A simple workaround is to first get a prepaid SIM card to obtain a French number, then subscribe to a post-paid mobile plan.

    For payments, having a French bank account is usually necessary. Opening a local account with a fast online bank like Revolut or N26 is quick and makes signing up for internet and mobile services much easier.

    How long does it take to set up Internet after moving to France?

    It all depends on the type of connection. If your home is already connected to fiber or ADSL, activation can take just a few days. For new installations, it may take 1 to 3 weeks, especially if a technician visit is required. To avoid delays, it's best to book your appointment as soon as you know your move-in date.

    Can I keep my French number if I switch mobile providers?

    Absolutely! You can keep your number by requesting your RIO code ("Relevé d’Identité Opérateur"): just dial 3179 (free call) from your French mobile number, and you'll receive the code by text. Give it to your new provider, and they'll handle the switch automatically: no need to cancel your old plan yourself.

    Are short-term or prepaid options available in France?

    If you’re staying in France for just a few weeks or months, a prepaid SIM card ("carte prépayée") is often the best choice. You can buy them from supermarkets, phone stores, or airports, and top them up online. They give you a French number without any contract or paperwork.