The Texto SMS Gratuit team
6 July 2026 · 4 min read
It is the twice-yearly checkpoint for anyone following the French telecom market: on July 1, 2026, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) published its observatory of mobile network deployments. The headline figure? Metropolitan France now counts 48,286 technically operational 5G sites, up from 45,955 on January 1 — that is 2,331 new antennas in six months (+5.1%).
Behind that overall growth, however, lie four radically different strategies at Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile. Here is what the numbers say, and what they actually change for your calls, texts and data connection.
The key figures for the first half of 2026
The ANFR observatory counts authorized, technically operational sites per frequency band. Here is how things moved between January 1 and July 1, 2026:
| Band | January 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 700 MHz | 29,918 | 30,866 | +3.2% |
| 2100 MHz | 20,795 | 23,058 | +10.9% |
| 3500 MHz | 30,956 | 32,332 | +4.4% |
| Total 5G sites | 45,955 | 48,286 | +5.1% |
Each band plays its own role: 700 MHz travels far and penetrates buildings well (ideal for coverage), 3500 MHz delivers the highest speeds, and 2100 MHz sits in between. That middle band is precisely the one growing fastest this semester — a sign that carriers are densifying their existing networks.
Orange delivers the most dynamic semester
With 2,132 new sites in six months, Orange is by far the fastest-moving operator: its 5G network grew from 15,898 to 18,030 sites (+13.4%). Notably, the incumbent is rebalancing its investments: its 2100 MHz band jumped 57.6%, while 3500 MHz — where it remains the leader with 14,310 antennas — grew more moderately.
That strong footprint on 5G's "core" band partly explains why Orange consistently tops speed benchmarks. To understand the next step in this upgrade race, read our article on standalone 5G (5G SA) in France.
Free Mobile slows down… but shifts up a gear
The paradox of the semester: Free Mobile still holds the largest 5G footprint in France with 23,214 sites, yet posted the slowest growth (+3.0%, or 673 new sites). The explanation is largely mechanical: with over 21,000 sites already running 700 MHz, there is little room left to grow on that coverage band.
The operator is therefore redirecting its efforts toward performance: its 3500 MHz band grew 6.4% (11,209 sites), and it has just switched on its first 41 sites on 2100 MHz — a band it was not using for 5G at all at the start of the year.
Bouygues Telecom steady, SFR holding back
Bouygues Telecom keeps executing its roadmap without surprises: 1,238 new sites (+7.0%), mostly on 2100 MHz, for a total of 18,892. A steady densification strategy that has earned it some of the best 5G coverage in the country.
SFR brings up the rear with 783 additional sites (+4.9%, total 16,861). A measured pace that comes in a very particular context: since the memorandum of understanding signed on June 6, the operator has been engaged in an acquisition process by Orange, Free and Bouygues Telecom, with regulatory proceedings expected to run into 2027. Hard not to see a connection.
What it changes for your texts and calls
More antennas does not automatically mean faster speeds tomorrow: performance depends on the frequency used, how loaded the site is, and your handset. But these deployments gradually improve network coverage and capacity — and you can check the quality near you using Arcep's voice and SMS coverage maps.
One piece of good news along the way: while networks move upmarket, the good old SMS remains the most reliable service of all, including where 5G has not arrived yet — it even works on the 2G/3G networks currently being switched off. And with mobile plan prices still climbing, remember there is a simple alternative: our free SMS sending form works from any browser, with no sign-up and no ads. For bigger needs, check out our SMS packs, browse the FAQ or contact us.
