The Texto SMS Gratuit team
5 July 2026 · 4 min read
It's the number making waves this summer: according to the price barometer published on July 3, 2026 by comparison site Ariase, the average monthly cost of a French mobile plan with unlimited calls and texts plus at least 20 GB of data now stands at €14.43 per month — a 37.3% increase in one year. A spectacular surge in a market long known for some of the lowest prices in Europe.
What exactly is happening, who is pushing prices up, and how can you keep your bill under control? Here's the full picture.
What the July 2026 barometer says
Every month since December 2020, Ariase has tracked the prices of France's four national carriers — Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free — and their associated brands Sosh and RED by SFR. The reference plan matches the average French usage measured by Arcep: 3h25 of calls, 59 text messages and 18.3 GB of data consumed per month.
The July 2026 results:
| Indicator | Average price | Year-over-year change |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile plan (unlimited + min. 20 GB) | €14.43/month | +37.3% |
| Entry-level fiber box | €26.66/month | +0.9% |
The contrast is striking: fiber broadband remains nearly flat while mobile plans soar. Month over month, however, mobile prices dipped slightly (−0.6%), hinting at a possible plateau after June's sudden spike.
Why are prices rising so fast?
Several factors are converging. The first is structural: since the memorandum of understanding on the acquisition of SFR by Orange, Free and Bouygues Telecom was signed, carriers have entered a wait-and-see phase. Winning new customers with aggressive promotions is no longer the priority: everyone is protecting margins while the market reshapes around three national operators.
The second factor: the gradual end of "forever cheap" plans. Entry-level plans under €5 per month now include only a single gigabyte of data — a far cry from the 18.3 GB the average user consumes. Covering normal usage now means paying for pricier tiers.
Finally, Bouygues Telecom and Free keep pulling prices upward, while RED by SFR is playing spoiler with a sub-€10 plan including 60 GB — one of the few genuine bargains around right now.
How to pay less: our advice
The good news is that mobile subscribers in France are never locked in: most plans are commitment-free and number portability is free and automatic.
- Compare at the right moment. Promotions traditionally return with the September back-to-school season: the second half of August will be decisive.
- Right-size your data allowance. If you use less than 10 GB, there's no point paying for a 100 GB or premium 5G plan.
- Watch alternative brands. Virtual operators and secondary brands regularly undercut the national networks to stay relevant.
- Beware of aggressive sales calls. Price hikes often come with pushy telemarketing — remember that cold calling without consent is banned in France from August 2026, and stay alert to fake promotional texts used for smishing.
Text messaging, the safe haven of your telecom budget
This price surge is a reminder of a simple truth: the text message remains the most universal and most economical way to communicate. The French still send 59 texts per month on average, even though SMS usage is declining year after year in favor of RCS and online messaging apps.
And if your plan has run out, is suspended, or you simply want to send a message without touching your allowance, our free SMS sending form works from any browser, with no sign-up and no ads. Need to send larger volumes? Take a look at our SMS packs, or check the FAQ for any questions. You can also contact us directly.
