Mobile and Internet in France: Plans, Prices and Fibre Boxes (2026)
Llandora·Updated 2026-10-14
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
France has four network operators — Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free — plus a crowd of low-cost sub-brands (Sosh, RED by SFR, B&You, NRJ Mobile...). Newcomers usually land on one of two setups: a no-commitment (sans engagement) SIM plan around €10–20/month, and a fibre box around €25–40/month. You need an ID and a RIB to subscribe; most plans can be ordered online and activated within days.
Mobile plans: the 2026 landscape
Competition keeps prices low and almost everything is sans engagement (cancel anytime). Representative 2026 levels:
Free: the famous €2/month plan (2h calls + 50 MB data — a backup-SIM classic) and the flagship 350 GB 5G plan at €19.99/month, unlimited calls/SMS. With a Freebox Pop subscription it drops to €9.99/month with unlimited data. Promo "Séries Free" offers (e.g. 110 GB at €12.99 for 12 months, then €19.99) rotate regularly.
SFR / RED by SFR: SFR's 200 GB 5G plan at €19.99/month (about €14.99 for SFR box customers); RED by SFR undercuts with 100–200 GB around €9.99–13.99/month.
Orange / Sosh: Orange proper is the premium network; Sosh (its low-cost brand) offers 100–200 GB around €9.99–19.99/month without commitment.
Bouygues / B&You: B&You's 100 GB 5G plan around €9.99–13.99/month; similar pricing at Bouygues proper with commitment options.
Newcomer playbook: start with a Free €19.99 plan or any sub-brand promo — no commitment, eSIM available, keep your foreign number on the second SIM slot while you transition. Coverage is excellent in cities on all four networks; in rural areas Orange and SFR historically have the edge.
Home internet: the fibre box
France is overwhelmingly fibre (fibre optique) in 2026 — the old copper ADSL network is being phased out. The box (router) bundles internet + TV + landline calls; installation is usually free or heavily discounted for new customers, with a technician visit for first-time fibre connections.
Representative 2026 fibre prices (new-customer rates; prices typically rise after 12 months):
Offer
Price
Notes
Freebox Pop S (Free)
€24.99/month
5 Gb/s, Wi-Fi 7, no TV, no commitment
Freebox Pop (Free)
€29.99/month for 12 months, then €39.99
5 Gb/s, TV included, no commitment
RED Box (RED by SFR)
€22.99/month
1 Gb/s, no commitment
SFR Fibre Starter
€27.99/month
1 Gb/s, 12-month commitment
Bbox (Bouygues)
from €27.99/month (12 months) then ~€34.99
12-month commitment
Livebox Classic (Orange)
€29.99/month (12 months) then €42.99
12-month commitment
Boîte Sosh / Pure Fibre B&You
€24.99/month
no commitment, no-frills
The market average for an entry-level fibre plan was about €26.67/month for new customers in autumn 2026 (Ariase barometer). Bundling mobile + box with the same operator usually earns a discount (€5–10/month off the mobile plan).
What to check before subscribing: fibre eligibility of your exact address (test d'éligibilité on the operator's site — not every building is connected), the post-promo price, the commitment period (engagement), and activation/setup fees (frais de mise en service, often €49–69, frequently waived in promos).
Practical notes for newcomers
Documents: ID + RIB + proof of address. Without a French RIB yet, some operators accept foreign IBANs for the first payment — ask.
Portability: keep your number when switching operators — the RIO code (dial 3179 from the line) makes the transfer automatic, usually within 3 working days.
Prepaid alternative: Lycamobile, Lebara and Orange's Mobicarte sell prepaid SIMs in tabacs and supermarkets — useful for the first days before you have a RIB.
Prices reflect autumn 2026 levels; operators change promotions constantly — always check the current tariff before subscribing.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Which mobile plan is best for a newcomer?
A: A no-commitment plan: Free's €19.99 (350 GB 5G) or a sub-brand promo around €10 for 100–200 GB. No commitment means you can switch once you know your usage.
Q: How much should I budget for home internet?
A: About €23–30/month for entry-level fibre as a new customer (2026), rising to €35–43 after the promo year at the big three. Free and the sub-brands stay flat with no commitment.
Q: Can I get a SIM without a French bank account?
A: Prepaid SIMs (tabac, supermarket) need no RIB. For a contract plan you need a RIB — open the bank account first, then subscribe.
Q: Is the copper ADSL network still available?
A: It is being phased out commune by commune. Always run the fibre eligibility test for your address; in most cities fibre is the only sensible option.
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