Mobile internet in France has become a necessity for many travelers, allowing them to access maps, book accommodations, and stay in touch with loved ones. However, navigating the mobile internet landscape in a foreign country can be a daunting task. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best mobile internet option in France.
Table of Contents
I. Mobile Internet Coverage and Speed in France
The availability and performance of mobile internet through cell towers and wireless hotspots is an important part of everyday life for French citizens and visitors alike.
1. France Mobile Internet Coverage
France has an excellent mobile network infrastructure, with good coverage across the country. Following the latest Opensignal’s report, The major mobile operators in France, such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile, have invested heavily in expanding their networks and improving coverage.
- Orange: Winner of the Coverage Experience award with a score of 9.1 points (highest).
- SFR: Second place for Coverage Experience with a score of 8.7 points.
- Bouygues: Third place for Coverage Experience with a score of 8.5 points.
- Free Mobile: Last place for Coverage Experience with a score of 8.1 points.
In summary, while Orange leads in overall Coverage Experience, Free Mobile pulls ahead in metrics measuring 5G coverage and time spent connected across France’s national mobile networks.
2. France Mobile Internet Speed
In addition to excellent coverage, France also offers impressive mobile internet speeds. The country has been at the forefront of 5G deployment, with several major cities already enjoying the benefits of this next-generation technology.
National Ranking:
- Overall: Ranking 22nd globally with median mobile download speeds of 89.97 Mbps, France sits firmly in the top tier for quality of mobile internet connectivity worldwide.
- Compared to its neighbors: Surpassing Germany(50th), Italy(55th), and Spain(60th) for mobile internet speeds, has similar speeds to Switzerland (26th) and Luxembourg (23rd).
City Rankings:
- Paris: Topping rankings in France with median speeds of 142.51 Mbps, Paris also places 25th globally, demonstrating its technological capabilities as a major urban center.
- Lyon: Ranked 35th, Lyon has median speeds of 120.10 Mbps, underlining its status as a hub for fast mobile connectivity.
II. Mobile Internet in France: Connection Options for Tourists
Here are some of the main mobile internet option in France for getting mobile internet access as a tourist in France:
| Option | Pros | Cons | Price Range (USD) |
| Free Wifi | Free to use, Widely available in cities and tourist areas | Unreliable connection speed and security, Limited coverage in rural areas | Free |
| Pocket Wifi | Fast and reliable internet connection, Connects multiple devices | Requires upfront rental fee and daily charges, Can be bulky to carry | $5-15/day |
| eSIM | Convenient and easy to activate, No need to change physical SIM cards | Limited availability compared to physical SIM cards, May not be compatible with all devices | $10-30 for data plans |
| SIM Card | Readily available in France, Affordable option for simple data needs | Requires unlocking your phone or purchasing a local phone, May not be compatible with all devices | $10-50 for data plans |
| Roaming | No need to purchase additional equipment or services, Works with your existing phone plan | Expensive charges for data usage, calls, and texts, Limited data allowances | Varies depending on your carrier plan |
Recommendation: Get a prepaid French SIM card/eSIM or rent a mobile hotspot for the best balance of cost and unlimited connectivity throughout your trip. Be sure to access WiFi when available to minimize data usage.
III. Mobile Internet Rates in France
Mobile internet rates in France can vary depending on the operator and the data package you choose. Generally, prepaid SIM cards offer more affordable options than international roaming.
Here are some examples of mobile internet rates from major French operators:
- Orange: Prepaid SIM starts at around ~US$5 for a SIM card with 1GB of data valid for 7 days.
- SFR: Prepaid SIM offers plans like 60GB of data for ~US$32 valid for 30 days.
- Bouygues Telecom: Prepaid SIM offers packages like 30GB of data for ~US$43 valid for 30 days.
- Free Mobile: Prepaid SIM offers plans such as 300GB of data for ~US$21 valid for 30 days.
These rates are subject to change, and it’s essential to check France SIM card Guide for their details when you arrive in France.
IV. Best Mobile Operators in France
When choosing a mobile operator in France, consider factors such as coverage, network speed, customer service, and data package options. Based on various reports and customer satisfaction surveys, some of the best mobile operators in France include:
| Mobile Operator | Coverage | Pros | Cons | Price Range (Prepaid SIM) | Data |
| Orange | Excellent | Strong network, good customer service | Can be expensive, limited data options in some plans | €10 - €50 | 1GB - 100GB |
| Free Mobile | Good | Low prices, mobile data promotions | Network coverage can be spotty in rural areas | €5 - €30 | 2GB - Unlimited |
| SFR | Good | Large network coverage, good customer service | Can be expensive, limited data options in some plans | €10 - €50 | 1GB - 100GB |
| Bouygues Telecom | Good | Wide range of plans, good customer service | Can be expensive, limited data options in some plans | €10 - €50 | 1GB - 100GB |
Choosing the right France mobile operator depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider the following factors:
- Coverage: If you live in a rural area, Orange or SFR might be a better choice due to their wider coverage.
- Price: Free Mobile is generally the cheapest option, but their coverage may not be as extensive as the other operators.
- Data: If you use a lot of data, you’ll want to choose a plan with a generous data allowance.
- Additional features: Some operators offer additional features, such as free calls to landlines or roaming options.
It’s also worth considering virtual mobile operators (MVNOs), which piggyback on the networks of the major operators and often offer cheaper plans. However, MVNOs may not offer the same level of customer service or network coverage as the major operators.
V. FAQs about Mobile Internet Option in France
How to buy mobile internet in France?
The major mobile networks in France are Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom. You can buy a SIM card with data from any of their stores. Make sure your phone is unlocked. Most offer pay-as-you-go data packs starting from around ~US$21-$54.
How to get portable Wi-Fi in France?
Several companies offer portable Wi-Fi hotspots for rent starting at around €5-10 per day. Popular options are ZenWireless, ePocketWifi and Kuifi. You can have the hotspot delivered to your hotel or Airbnb.
Does France have good internet?
Yes, internet access and speeds are excellent across France, even in most rural areas. Fiber coverage is expanding rapidly and 4G is widely available nationwide from all carriers. Speeds average 50-100Mbps on fiber and 30-50Mbps on 4G.
Which 5G provider is best in France?
All four major networks have launched 5G – Orange, SFR, Bouygues, and Free Mobile, but the best now is Free. Coverage remains limited for now but is expanding in major cities. Speeds can reach several hundred Mbps on 5G.
VI. Conclusion
Picking the best mobile internet option in France doesn’t have to be difficult. Understanding provider coverage, speed, connectivity, and pricing helps you choose an affordable option tailored to your needs. Local SIM cards or France eSIM offer great value. Check packages from major carriers like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, and Free Mobile. Reliable mobile internet allows you to stay connected and make the most of your trip.
