Orange and Sosh network outage

On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, customers of Orange and Sosh faced a nationwide network outage that lasted almost ten hours. Calls, SMS, and data were disrupted, and even 5G devices connected to the mobile network lost their connection. Orange stated that the incident was caused by a failure in core network equipment.

Backup mobile packages available

Free, RED by SFR, and NRJ Mobile offer backup mobile packages for about 2 euros per month, each on a different network. These packages allow a smartphone to use a second line on a different network in case of an outage, enabling users to continue making calls, sending SMS, or checking messages. This second line must be on a different network than the primary one.

How to choose a backup line

An Orange customer can choose any of the three backup offers, while customers of SFR, Bouygues Telecom, or Free must avoid the one that uses their own network. A smartphone with a dual SIM slot or the ability to use a SIM card and an eSIM is required to support two lines simultaneously.

Free’s backup package options

Free offers a 2€ package with 1 GB in 4G on Free's network, unlimited calls, SMS, and MMS in mainland France, and 50 MB from Europe and the DOM. This package is available at 2 euros per month or 0 euros for Freebox subscribers. The Booster option increases the data to 1 GB in 4G with unlimited calls in mainland France. Free also offers larger packages with more data and coverage.

RED by SFR’s backup package options

RED by SFR provides a 1 GB package with 1 GB in 4G on SFR's network, 1 GB from the EU and the DOM, unlimited calls, SMS, and MMS, and no contract. The package is available at 1.99 euros per month. Larger packages offer more data, with the 120 Go Package providing 120 GB in France and 30 GB in Europe.

NRJ Mobile’s backup package options

NRJ Mobile offers a 1 GB package with 1 GB in 4G on Bouygues Telecom's network, 1 GB extra from Europe and the DOM, unlimited calls, SMS, and MMS, and a SIM card at 5 euros. The package costs 1.99 euros per month. Larger packages include the Unlimited Special Package with unlimited data in France and 42 GB in Europe. Bouygues Telecom's network has the best 4G coverage in France according to nPerf.

Flexibility and additional uses

The backup packages are no-commitment, allowing users to cancel at any time. Beyond outages, a second line can serve as a secondary number for online registrations or managing a family member’s phone. To keep your phone number when changing packages, call 3179 for your RIO number and provide it when ordering the package. The new operator will then transfer your number free of charge.