Internet providers in France explained for expats

The need for Wi-Fi has significantly grown since the surge of the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, many internet providers have opened up, which can make it difficult for people to choose the right service provider. When finding the best internet provider in France, many people need clarification and choose a bad service provider that doesn’t provide value-for-money services. The primary factor in choosing the internet package is understanding the type of internet user you are. Other than that, we will look at other factors to consider when choosing the right internet provider in France.

List of internet providers in France

We have listed the most reliable Internet providers below while using the following criteria:

Internet service provider in france
      English speaking customer service
      Best Internet speed/price
      Clear contracts (no hidden costs)
      Flexible contracts
      Fast delivery
      Data allowance
      Different connection options

Internet provider
Specifications

 

Sfr internet


SFR is one of the largest (and high quality) telecom providers in France. They offer different packages depending on your internet usage. You can use their free tool to see what kind of speed you can get at your address

      High quality internet throughout France
      Offers an app
      Offers high speed internet fiber access
      Fast delivery & installation warranty
      ✘  No English website

 

SFR Internet logo


Orange is a cheap internet provider that offers currently 3 different bundles with clear and adjustable contracts.

      3 contracts with extra’s available
      Owns the network
      Free Wifi Modem
      Clear contracts (no hidden costs)
      ✘  No English website

 

red by sfr logo


RED by SFR is a subsidiary of SFR where they offer only low-priced products. However, this also impacts your quality of internet connection and therefore speed.

      Cheap internet
      Reliable network
      No connection costs
      Fast delivery
      ✘  Website hard to comprehend for English speaking customers

 

bouyguestelecom internet


Bouygues Telecom is a provider on the high end segment with high speed internet and great coverage throughout France. However, they are a bit more pricey and the website can be difficult to understand for non-French speakers.

      High speed internet
      Wide variety of options
      Adaptable contracts
      ✘  Expensive
      ✘  No own network

Different types of internet connections

Standard and fiber are the two different types of broadband. The standard version uses ADSL technology and connects to the existing copper phone network. In other words, it is available across the country. The average downloading speed for this type of broadband is about 10-11 megabits per second. In other words, it will take a few minutes to download your favorite tv show than other fiber options that do the same tasks within seconds. Although it may not be a big issue with streaming, it can cause problems with video calling, sending large email files, online gaming, and many more. 

Fibre broadband is more efficient fiber-optic cables that internet providers in France use to connect you to the Internet and send data. With this, one can get faster data transference and make your Internet faster in terms of downloading and uploading speed, and you will get reliable services.

Internet for Beginners

If you are still determining which broadband you should choose, there are many things that you should consider when looking for broadband that can help you satisfy your needs. 

If you are just a beginner and need to know why you will use the Internet, it is best to choose the ADSL or the superfast internet package. With this, you will not have to go for ultrafast speeds, which is unnecessary if you only want to check your emails or watch YouTube videos. It is best to choose the best internet provider in France , start small, and make your way up.

When the use and need for the internet increases, you can easily connect with your internet provider and upgrade your plan mid-contract. If you are not using the Internet to its full potential, you can also shift to the cheaper tariff without paying any early exit fees. Remember to read the terms since different providers have their terms and conditions.

Internet for tv and movie buffs

If you like watching HD movies or using the TV for streaming services such as Netflix, you are a heavy user. It is essential to ensure that whatever package you opt for offers unlimited downloads. Almost all packages provide unlimited downloads, but it is best to ensure.

Heavy users may be expected to pay more for fiber broadband or satellite internet in France. As mentioned, fiber is faster than standard broadband, and you can easily download music, movies, and games in less time. With this, you will save time on buffering and waiting and more time engaged in your work.

Internet for families

Families are also heavy users, especially in houses with teenagers who have grown up with computers and smartphones. With four or more people in a house, they will be using a range of web-enabled gadgets and be online simultaneously. With this, you want an internet package that provides a smooth connection. 

It is also best to look out for the best internet provider in France that provides parental controls to keep your kids safe online. Many providers have it as the standard, but it is best to check your internet provider’s website.

If you have a big family, you will have to ensure that you have enough Internet to accommodate the devices. Otherwise, the speed of the Internet will become frustrating and make buffering a common issue. Make sure to consult and ask the internet provider about the speed and the package for households with many people.

Internet for students

The difference between student broadband and other packages is that the contract will be for 9 months instead of 12-18 month terms. The short contract means that students will not have to pay during the summer holiday since they will be at their house and will not use the student’s digs. It is essential to research since the student broadband package has set-up fees, so it is best to consider and do some maths to determine whether the student package is good for you. Students will not have to choose the ultrafast internet package needed for gaming or heavy streaming services. The ideal package would be the internet speed which could provide a smooth video calling experience.

Internet for pensioners

If you want a standard deal to stay in touch with your family and occasionally surf the Internet, it will be best to compare the broadband and landline packages. Many internet providers in France offer home internet deals with cheaper landlines for seniors to stay connected with their loved ones without paying for the services they don’t need. If you are a pensioner who wants a broadband service, you will have to research and talk to different internet providers to find the best deal. 

Internet for corporate use

If you are a business owner, choosing a customized plan per your company’s needs is best. Business broadband packages are different from the standard consumer deals by adding features such as fixed-Ips, email addresses, and webspace having your brand’s name.

You can also get business-grade security which keeps private data secure from prying eyes. The corporate plans also have better customer support which minimizes the financial impact in case the connection is down.