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There are many options for broadband Internet (ADSL) connection in France. But before getting an Internet connection, a telephone line is needed; this must be supplied by France Télécom. To get a line installed contact France Télécom.
Broadband Internet ServiceOnce a line is in place an ISP (Internet Service Provider) is needed to supply Internet access. This can either be France Télécom or a third party. There are many providers in France, each offering a slightly different package, see the list below of Internet Providers in France. Note: Before being able to get connected with broadband Internet, availability to the property or area needs to be ascertained; some rural or inaccessible places are not able to receive ADSL. Find out if broadband access is available to a telephone line or an area:
Website Ariase.com (entirely in French) has comprehensive information on ADSL availability, price and service comparisons. Dégroupage (unbundling)This is the separation (partial or total) of the Internet line from the fixed line telephone supply. It means that a household may have Internet access independently from France Telecom. It is generally only available in high-occupancy areas and each independent supplier will have a package it offers.
Options for Areas With No ADSL Broadband AvailabilityIn areas where ADSL is not available high-speed connection can be achieved by:
Dial-up Internet accessDial-up is a slow connection which can be used via the analogue telephone line. Higher performance is available with ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) supplied by France Telecom as Numéris. This provides two digital lines, available for voice or data, each operating at 64Kbps speed. The two channels can be bonded together to achieve 128Kbps speed. In France it is called RNIS (Réseau Numérique à Intégration de Services). Internet Providers in FranceAliceFormally Tiscali and the largest provider in Italy, Alice is one of the main providers of broadband Internet access in France, offering connection speeds up to 20Mbit (20 megabits per second) and services such as free telephony and TV via Internet.
AOLFrench subsidiary of America Online, AOL is the world's leading interactive services provider. Offering speeds up to 18Mbit AOL has a different look and feel to other service providers as it takes you into a "portal" containing all your AOL services such as e-mail, Internet and instant messaging, whereas other providers give you access and an e-mail address and let you find your own way after that.
CegetelCegetel currently offer one of the lowest tariffs for broadband internet access for 512 kb/s (Kilobit per second) and has no fixed contract lengths which can be an advantage to long term visitors in France.
Club InternetClub Internet is part of the T-Online group and is growing as an ISP in France. Currently offering speeds of 20Mbit plus inclusive telephone services.
DartyThe electronic retailer Darty sells a DartyBox with Internet, telephone and television packages through a link up with the Completel network. Internet speeds of up to 20Mbit are available and phone calls to local, national and some international land lines are free. The television option offers over 40 channels including TNT and is HDTV ready.
FreeThe number one independent provider in France, free offers two services depending on your "Dégroupage" status. Dégroupage is the term used when independent telecom service providers are able to connect their clients directly to their network without passing through the national provider. This usually brings with it additional services (TV and telephone) at reduced prices. If you are "dégroupée" you can benefit from 24Mbit broadband including telephone and TV services. There is also an option for ADSL without a telephone subscription if the last occupant of your property had a telephone subscription utilising the "freebox". To find out if your area is "dégroupée" see website DegroupTest.com (in French).
Neuf TelecomNeuf telecom, part of the Cegetel Group, offers one of the largest independent services, as an alternative to France Telecom's Orange and at a lower price. Services provided are speeds of up to 20Mbit, TV over Internet and free telephone calls. There is also no minimum fixed- term contract.
NoosNoos offers ADSL packages from 1 to 10Mbit with introductory offers lasting 12 months. Also available is TV via Internet.
OrangePart of the France Telecom Group, Orange (formally Wanadoo) is the largest provider of Internet access in France and offers arguably the most reliable service because of this. It also offers slightly higher tariffs than the competition for the MAX2+ option with 18Mbit speeds.
Orange's (France Télécom's) ISDN service is called Numéris, and various options are available for home and professional use. Tele2Tele2 offers two tariffs for 20Mbit ADSL broadband access with rates and packages depending on whether you are "dégroupée", with "dégroupée" customers paying more per month.
TeleconnectFull service telecommunications (mobile, fixed line and ADSL broadband Internet services) specifically catering to anglophones living in France.
Further Information
Prepared by: Simon Glynn of Riviera IT Solutions Any suggestions for extra information that should be on this page?
This is the "Getting an Internet Connection in France & Service Providers" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO French Alps. AngloINFO French Alps's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in the French Alps, in English!". AngloINFO French Alps is your French Alps information source, for everyone living in the French Alps or moving to the French Alps, covering everything from the French Alps property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to France, to all aspects of everyday life in the French Alps international community for those living their lives in France. » Find out more about AngloINFO in France | ||||||||||||||||||||||
