Marc
23 June 2026 · 4 min read
It is one of the biggest shake-ups in the history of French telecoms. On 6 June 2026, Orange, Free (Iliad) and Bouygues Telecom signed an agreement with Altice France to buy and break up SFR. If the deal goes through, the French mobile market will shrink from four major carriers to three.
For SFR's 26 million subscribers — and for everyone in France who makes calls and sends text messages — this reshuffle has very concrete consequences. Here's what we know, and what to keep an eye on.
Photo: Unsplash — the SFR takeover redraws the map of France's mobile networks.
What was announced
The deal values the acquired operations at €20.35 billion, with an earn-out of up to €650 million. Rather than a single buyer, the three carriers are splitting SFR's assets between them. Across the relevant perimeter (about €8 billion in 2025 revenue), the announced split is as follows:
| Buyer | Share of SFR assets | Network used |
|---|---|---|
| Bouygues Telecom | ~52% | Bouygues |
| Free (Iliad) | ~27% | Free |
| Orange | ~21% | Orange |
France's overseas departments and regions are not included in the operation. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2027, provided all approvals are obtained.
Why this deal is a turning point
Since Free arrived in 2012, France has had four network operators — fierce competition that pushed prices down. Going back to three players closes a chapter that lasted more than a decade.
European precedents call for caution: in several countries that cut the number of carriers, such as Germany and Austria, prices tended to rise. That is exactly the point regulators will be scrutinising.
Photo: Unsplash — comparing your plan stays the smartest move during the transition.
The role of Arcep and the competition authority
Nothing is final yet: the deal must clear French and European competition authorities. The Autorité de la concurrence will assess the risk of price alignment and may impose "remedies": spectrum divestitures, opening the network to virtual operators (MVNOs), service-continuity commitments or employment guarantees.
For its part, Arcep, the telecoms regulator, will make sure no single player concentrates an excessive amount of spectrum. It's the same regulator steering the network's major shifts, such as the 2G shutdown and the end of copper and ADSL.
What it changes for you, the subscriber
Right now, nothing changes: your plan, your number and your SIM card keep working as usual. The deal won't close before 2027, and number portability remains a guaranteed right. Here's what to watch:
- Your number is portable. Whatever happens, you can keep it when switching carriers using your RIO code (dial 3179).
- Watch the prices. Compare plans regularly: competition among MVNOs is still strong, with 5G offers starting at a few euros.
- Coverage may evolve. Over time, SFR's antennas will be absorbed by the three acquiring networks.
- Your SMS still go through. A text's deliverability depends on the recipient's carrier — something we cover in our guide to the operators we deliver to.
SMS, RCS and the end of an era
This consolidation is part of a broader network modernisation. While carriers merge, messaging is evolving too: RCS is pushing its rich-messaging features, but the plain old SMS remains the universal format, compatible with every single phone regardless of carrier. We compared the two in RCS vs SMS.
That's also what makes our service so resilient: whatever the market's future, you can always send a text message for free from the internet — no sign-up, no ads and no commitment — to any French mobile.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my SFR number? No. Number portability is a right: you keep your number, whether you stay with the buyer or switch carriers using your RIO code (3179).
Will my prices go up? Nothing is automatic. Competition authorities can impose safeguards. The best move is to compare offers regularly.
When will the takeover be effective? Closing is expected in the second half of 2027, subject to clearance from French and European regulators.
In short
Orange, Free and Bouygues buying SFR for €20.35 billion tips France toward a three-carrier market, under the watchful eye of Arcep and the competition authority. For subscribers, no need to panic: your number stays portable and your texts keep going through. Got a question? Our FAQ and contact page are here — and to reach someone in an instant, you can always send a free SMS, with nothing to install.
