How do I switch my phone or internet provider in France?
To change operator and keep your number, deal only with the new operator: it ports your number and cancels the old contract for you. If you do not keep your number, you cancel the old contract yourself; cancellation takes effect within 10 days at most.
Switching is mostly paperwork: the network stays where it is, only the company that provides your service changes. Who arranges the switch and how long the service may be down depends on the rules in France.
📜 The rules in France
The details
- Do not cancel your old contract yourself when you port your number: the porting cancels it automatically on the day the number moves. (arcep.fr)
- The old operator cannot refuse porting because you owe it money, cannot make porting depend on paying early-termination sums first, and cannot charge you for porting. (arcep.fr)
- Arcep states that when you switch provider and keep a number, the service cut may not exceed 4 hours; when the switch reuses the same physical line, it may not exceed one working day. (arcep.fr)
- If your phone was sold locked with a commitment, ask for it to be unlocked before switching: it is free 6 months after you subscribe, or 3 months with operators that signed the 2010 commitment. (arcep.fr)
3179 – serveur RIO
Free voice server, open 24/7: call it from the line you want to keep to get your RIO code; you then receive it by SMS (or email or post for a landline) with your commitment dates.
Arcep – J'alerte l'Arcep
Report a problem with your operator. Arcep uses these alerts to act on the market but does not settle individual disputes.
Médiation des communications électroniques
Free mediation of disputes with member operators, once you have been through the operator's customer and consumer services. Opinion within 90 days.
🪜 Step by step
- Check your current contractFind the end of the minimum term, the notice period and any exit fee. They are in your contract summary or online account.
- Compare offersLook at the total cost over the whole term: set-up fees, equipment, and the price after any discount period ends.
- Sign with the new providerSay whether you want to keep your number. Ask the new provider whether it arranges the switch and the end of your old contract.
- Return equipment and check the final billSend back rented equipment if you are asked to, keep proof of it, and check that the old provider stops charging you.
📇 Who to contact
❓ Questions
Will I be without phone or internet when I switch?
There can be a short break on the switching day. Ask both providers for the planned date, and see the rules for France on this page.
Can I switch before my contract ends?
Yes, but while the minimum term is still running you may have to pay an exit fee or the remaining monthly charges. Check your contract summary first.
Do I have to cancel the old contract myself?
That depends on the service and the rules in France. Ask the new provider and keep written confirmation of the end date.
📎 Sources
- service-public.gouv.fr →
- arcep.fr →
- arcep.fr →
- arcep.fr →
- arcep.fr →
- arcep.fr →
- mediation-telecom.org →
- arcep.fr →
- jalerte.arcep.fr →
- mediation-telecom.org →
- monreseaumobile.arcep.fr →
- arcep.fr →
- inc-conso.fr →
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