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

📡 Can I use my own router or modem instead of the provider’s in France?

The short answer

EU open-internet rules give you the right to use the terminal equipment of your choice. France has not formally set where the operator's network ends (the 'network termination point') and told BEREC it has no plans to do so.

Many people prefer their own router. Whether your provider must let you connect it, and which details it must give you to set it up, depends on the rules in France.

Official source: berec.europa.eu · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in France

The details

  • When you cancel, return the box or decoder as your contract requires; any deposit must be refunded within 10 days after you return the equipment. (arcep.fr)
  • A phone sold locked with a commitment must be unlocked free of charge 6 months after you subscribe; phones sold without commitment must not be locked. (arcep.fr)
  • A subsidised phone must be unlocked free of charge at the latest when you pay the early-termination charge. (arcep.fr)

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.

🔗 jalerte.arcep.fr
Official source: arcep.fr · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

  1. Check that it fits your lineMake sure the router supports your type of connection: fibre, cable, DSL or mobile.
  2. Ask for the access detailsYou need the login data and settings for the internet connection and, if you have one, for phone service over the internet.
  3. Keep or return the provider’s deviceAsk whether you must return a rented router, and whether you keep paying for it.
  4. If the provider refusesAsk for the refusal in writing and contact the regulator or the dispute body.

📇 Who to contact

Arcep – J'alerte l'ArcepReport a problem with your operator. Arcep uses these alerts to act on the market but does not settle individual disputes.🔗 jalerte.arcep.fr
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

Will the provider still help me if something goes wrong?

Providers usually support the connection itself, not equipment you bought. Keep their device and settings so you can test with them.

Do I still pay for the provider’s router?

Check your contract. If the router is rented, ask whether you can stop paying when you use your own.

Will my own router make my internet faster?

It can improve your Wi‑Fi, but the speed of the line itself stays the same.

📎 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.

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