Telecoms in France 2026
France has 4 network operators (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free) and MVNOs riding on their networks. According to ARCEP, between 99.2% and 99.6% of the population had good 4G mobile coverage at the end of 2025, depending on the operator (2026 annual report), and FTTH reaches 43.1 million connectable premises as of 30 June 2026 (ARCEP fixed broadband observatory). Figures accessed 6 October 2026. This English-language hub gathers 2 in-depth guides on mobile coverage and on fibre versus ADSL.
Key Takeaways
- The French market combines 4 network operators (MNOs) (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free) with MVNOs using their networks and brands attached to an operator (Sosh, RED by SFR, B&You).
- 4G coverage reaches 99.2% to 99.6% of the population depending on the operator at the end of 2025 (ARCEP, accessed 6 October 2026), and ARCEP counts more than 73,900 5G sites in service on 31 March 2026 (ARCEP, accessed 6 October 2026). Official map: monreseaumobile.arcep.fr.
- 43.1 million connectable FTTH premises on 30 June 2026, or 95.3% (ARCEP, accessed 6 October 2026). Address-level check: maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr.
- The previous operator cannot charge for number portability (RIO via 3179), which is subject to a minimum delay of three business days per ARCEP, with no porting on Sundays or public holidays.
- Since 1 January 2023, cancelling a commitment plan from the end of the twelfth month leaves nothing to pay for the remaining commitment, except up to 20% of the remaining sums if a subsidised device was included (ARCEP).
- The copper network is being closed progressively: according to ARCEP, Orange pilots the plan, whose second phase runs from 2026 to the end of 2030.
The French telecom market in plain English
The French telecom market sits on four network operators (MNOs) that own their own mobile and fixed infrastructure: Orange (historic), SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free. Each one sells an internet box (Livebox for Orange, SFR Box, Bbox for Bouygues, Freebox for Free). Mobile virtual operators (MVNOs) use the network of an MNO to sell their own plans, and brands such as Sosh, RED by SFR and B&You are attached to an operator.
The sector regulator is ARCEP (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse). ARCEP publishes market observatories, runs the mobile-coverage tool monreseaumobile.arcep.fr, the tool maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr and the reporting platform jalerte.arcep.fr. The Médiation des communications électroniques (mediation-telecom.org) is free for the consumer.
The progressive closure of the copper network is piloted by Orange, with a second phase running from 2026 to the end of 2030 according to ARCEP. The Consumer Code (Article L224-28) frames commitment duration and early cancellation, and the RIO is obtained by calling 3179.
2 in-depth guides on French telecoms
Mobile Network Coverage France: Reading ARCEP 4G/5G Data
How to check 4G and 5G coverage in France with the official ARCEP tool, plus dead zones, the New Deal Mobile program, 5G bands and DAS limits.
Read guideFiber vs ADSL in France: 2026 Comparison
Fibre, VDSL or ADSL? How each technology works, how to check availability at your address and what the copper network closure means.
Read guideThe French market in key numbers (official sources)
Headline indicators for the French telecom market, as published by ARCEP in its quarterly observatories and official maps.
Source: ARCEP, monreseaumobile.arcep.fr, maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr. Figures accessed 6 October 2026. Exact figures update with each release.
Your rights as a telecom subscriber
The French Consumer Code and ARCEP regulations tightly frame the operator-subscriber relationship. A few key rights to know before signing up or in the event of a dispute.
Number portability (RIO 3179)
The previous operator cannot charge for it, and ARCEP gives a minimum delay of 3 business days. The new operator handles the cancellation procedure on your behalf. The RIO is obtained by dialling 3179 from your line.
Cancelling a commitment plan
Since 1 January 2023, from the end of the twelfth month you owe nothing for the remaining commitment, except up to 20% of the remaining sums if a subsidised device was included (ARCEP). The notice period cannot exceed 10 days (Article L224-39).
14-day right of withdrawal
Article L221-18 of the Consumer Code: the consumer has fourteen days to withdraw from a contract concluded at a distance, after telephone solicitation or off-premises.
In case of a dispute
- →First step: the operator's customer service, then its consumer service in writing with proof of receipt.
- →No satisfactory answer: free use of a consumer mediator (Article L612-1), for example the Médiation des communications électroniques at mediation-telecom.org.
- →To report a network problem to ARCEP: jalerte.arcep.fr. ARCEP states that it cannot directly resolve individual complaints.
- →As a last resort, the competent court can be seized. The parties' agreement to use mediation suspends the limitation period (Article 2238 of the Civil Code).
Switching operator or box: the right reflexes
For a mobile plan, the reflex is to request the RIO by dialling 3179 from your line (free from a mobile phone, RIO received by voice server and then by text message), then sign up with the new operator giving that code. ARCEP gives a minimum portability delay of three business days, with no porting on Sundays or public holidays. The new operator handles the cancellation procedure on your behalf.
For an internet box, the steps are similar: sign up with the new operator, return the old box (follow the return instructions to avoid non-return fees) and schedule the fibre installation if you are leaving ADSL. Check your eligibility and the status of the copper network at maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr before any decision.
Before signing, check coverage at monreseaumobile.arcep.fr and keep every subscription, portability and cancellation receipt.
Useful links to get started
Frequently asked questions about telecoms in France
How many mobile operators are there in France in 2026?
France has four mobile network operators (MNOs) that own their own antennas and infrastructure: Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. Mobile virtual operators (MVNOs) use those networks, and brands attached to an operator, such as Sosh (Orange), RED by SFR and B&You (Bouygues), complete the landscape.
What is 4G and 5G coverage in France in 2026?
Between 99.2% and 99.6% of the metropolitan population, depending on the operator, had "good mobile coverage" for mobile internet at the end of 2025 (ARCEP, 2026 annual report, volume 2, published 3 July 2026; accessed 6 October 2026). For 5G, ARCEP counted more than 73,900 5G sites in service in metropolitan France on 31 March 2026 (ARCEP, published 18 June 2026; accessed 6 October 2026). Coverage at your address can be checked on the official monreseaumobile.arcep.fr map.
How many homes are eligible for FTTH fibre in France?
According to ARCEP's quarterly observatories, 43.1 million of 45.2 million premises were connectable to fibre (FTTH) on 30 June 2026, or 95.3% (ARCEP, "Marché du haut et du très haut débit fixe", published 10 September 2026; accessed 6 October 2026). Address-level eligibility is checked with ARCEP's "Ma connexion internet" tool at maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr.
How do I keep my number when switching mobile operator (portability)?
According to ARCEP, the previous operator cannot charge you for the service of keeping your number. You get your RIO (Relevé d'Identité Opérateur) by calling 3179 from your mobile phone, then give it to the new operator, which is responsible for the cancellation procedure on your behalf. You can benefit from portability within a minimum of three business days, and there is no porting on Sundays or public holidays.
When will ADSL be shut down in France?
According to ARCEP, Orange, as owner of the copper network, pilots the closure plan, whose second phase runs from 2026 to the end of 2030. The closure happens in two steps for each municipality: a commercial closure (no new subscriptions, existing connections maintained) and then a technical closure (remaining copper access cut). ARCEP's "Ma connexion internet" tool (maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr) shows the status of the copper network at an address.
What is the difference between a network operator (MNO) and an MVNO?
An MNO (Mobile Network Operator) owns its own antennas and infrastructure; in France these are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. An MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) does not own antennas and uses the network of an MNO. Before subscribing, find out which network the offer relies on, then check that network at monreseaumobile.arcep.fr.
How do I cancel a mobile plan with or without commitment?
According to ARCEP, the commitment period cannot exceed 24 months, and the notice period cannot exceed ten days from the operator receiving the cancellation request. Since 1 January 2023, when you cancel from the end of the twelfth month, you do not owe the sums for the remaining commitment period, unless the contract included a subsidised device (phone, TV): in that case up to 20% of the remaining sums may be due. When you ask for portability, the new operator is responsible for the cancellation procedure on your behalf.
Who do I contact in case of a dispute with a telecom operator?
First step: the operator's customer service, then its consumer service in writing. If the answer is unsatisfactory, every consumer can use a consumer mediator free of charge (Article L612-1 of the Code de la consommation); for electronic communications, the Médiation des communications électroniques (mediation-telecom.org) is free for the consumer, who must have completed the preliminary steps. To report a network problem to ARCEP, the platform "J'alerte l'Arcep" (jalerte.arcep.fr) exists, but ARCEP states that it cannot directly resolve individual complaints. As a last resort, the competent court can be seized.
Which mobile plan should I choose in 2026?
The choice depends on four criteria: (1) your real data consumption; (2) overseas usage, to check in the conditions of the offer; (3) coverage in your area, checked at monreseaumobile.arcep.fr; (4) commitment length, which cannot exceed 24 months (Article L224-28 of the Code de la consommation).
How do I check if my address is fibre-eligible?
The most reliable tool is ARCEP's "Ma connexion internet" (maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr), a cartographic search engine for fixed internet that shows the operators and technologies available at an address. You can also test directly with each internet provider using your exact address. If the address is not yet fibre-eligible, fixed wireless (4G or 5G) is an alternative in some areas; confirm with the operators.
Official French telecom sources
The information presented is for guidance only and may change. Consult official sources (ARCEP, monreseaumobile.arcep.fr, maconnexioninternet.arcep.fr, Service-Public.fr, Légifrance, Médiateur des communications électroniques) and operators before any decision. This site is purely informational and does not provide financial or legal advice.