Phone & internetFR
Phone & internet · France
Checked 2026-10-14

🤝 Is there a social tariff or cheaper phone and internet for people on a low income in France?

The short answer

The 'réduction sociale téléphonique' lowers the landline subscription for your main home if you receive RSA, AAH or ASS. Only one operator offers it, the former universal-service provider; contact it with your benefit certificate.

Some countries have a social tariff or other support so that people on a low income can afford a phone and internet connection, and many guarantee a basic connection. What exists in France is below.

Official source: service-public.gouv.fr · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in France

The scheme

Réduction sociale téléphonique

Who qualifies

People receiving RSA (active solidarity income), AAH (allowance for disabled adults) or ASS (specific solidarity allowance), for the landline of their main home. It is granted for one year and renewed when you send a new benefit certificate.

The details

  • Since December 2020 no operator has been designated to provide the universal service for fixed connection and telephone service. (arcep.fr)
  • The Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL) can help you pay telephone bill debts, as a loan or a grant. (service-public.gouv.fr)
  • If a bill is unpaid, your operator may restrict services, but during that period you keep incoming calls, local calls, and access to free and emergency numbers, online services and email. (service-public.gouv.fr)
  • If you are in financial difficulty, your operator cannot charge you fees for a rejected payment. (service-public.gouv.fr)

DGCCRF – RéponseConso

Answers your questions on consumer law by phone (non-premium number).

📞 0809 540 550🔗 economie.gouv.fr
Official source: service-public.gouv.fr · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

  1. See what existsThe schemes and rights in France are listed on this page, with who qualifies.
  2. Check whether you qualifySupport is often linked to benefits, age, disability or income. Have proof ready.
  3. Apply or ask your providerSome schemes need an application; others are offered through the providers.
  4. Look for cheaper plansBasic plans, prepaid SIMs and mobile internet can cost less than a full package.

📇 Who to contact

DGCCRF – RéponseConsoAnswers your questions on consumer law by phone (non-premium number).📞 0809 540 550🔗 www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf
Arcep (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques, des postes et de la distribution de la presse)Supervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules🔗 www.arcep.fr
Institut national de la consommation (INC)Independent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.inc-conso.fr

❓ Questions

Is there a right to a basic internet connection?

Many countries guarantee a basic connection at an affordable price. The rule for France, if there is one, is on this page.

Do I have to apply?

Usually yes. The details for France are on this page.

Can I get help with a debt to my provider?

Ask the provider for a payment plan, and contact free debt advice before your line is cut off.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Also useful

📶Phone or internet contract · Who do I contact?→☎️Unwanted sales calls · Who do I contact?→✉️Write my letter: Leave a phone or internet contract · Complaints→🔄Switching provider→⚖️Free dispute resolution→📲Keep your number→📅Minimum term & notice→📈Price rise→

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