Mobile package prices rise

The average cost of basic mobile packages has gone up by 7.8% since the start of 2026, according to Ariase's barometer. Some providers, like SFR, RED by SFR, and Prixtel, have raised prices between 0.99 euros and nearly 5 euros per month, depending on the package.

New features come with higher costs

At RED, some customers are paying 1.99 euros more per month for an extra 20 GB of data. Orange offers 70 GB of additional data for 2 euros more, while Sosh adds 30 GB and 5G for 3 euros more. However, these upgrades can be refused, unlike the mandatory price hikes for some SFR and RED customers.

Operator merger plans ahead

Bouygues Telecom, Free, and Orange are working on a plan to merge their customer bases, including the acquisition of RED by Free. The deal is not yet finalized, and it is unclear how the future pricing will be structured. This could reduce competition from four to three major operators, making a new price war less likely.

Cancellation rights and timelines

Customers affected by the 1.99 euro increase at RED can cancel their service. However, they won’t keep the old price. According to Arcep, the operator must give at least one month’s notice before a price change and allow four months from that notice to cancel without fees. This period does not begin with the first increased bill.

Negotiation and package changes

Operators may offer to keep customers by adjusting their packages, which might include re-engagement terms. Before accepting, it’s important to check if the advisor applies a discount to the current subscription or moves the customer to a new package.

Exploring alternative providers

If the operator refuses to lower prices, switching to a different provider could be the most effective solution. MVNOs, or virtual mobile operators, are a good option. These companies sell their own packages by using a major operator’s network. Some, like Prixtel and La Poste Mobile, are now owned by the same groups that run the major operators.

Costs of switching and number portability

Switching providers usually doesn’t cost anything, but Bouygues Telecom charges 5 euros for its no-commitment offers. New SIM or eSIM cards can cost up to 10 euros at other providers. To keep your phone number, retrieve your RIO by calling 3179 from your current line and send it to the new operator when you sign up. Avoid canceling your old package separately — number portability handles the process.