French telecom operators have raised prices on some mobile and fixed-internet plans in recent months, ending a period of intense price competition, according to the article. The increases come as the competition authority is still considering whether to approve the sale of Patrick Drahi’s group, which owns SFR.
SFR has imposed direct price rises, with a spokesperson saying that charges for mobile plans and internet subscriptions increased by between €0.49 and €4.99 for a large share of customers. The changes affect premium offers as well as those from its low-cost brand, RED.
Other operators have used a different approach: adding mobile data or services in exchange for a higher monthly bill. These increases are applied automatically unless customers object within the specified period, the article notes.
Orange has introduced several price increases since the start of the new season. Some customers on 5G plans with 130GB of data were told their monthly fee would rise by €2 in return for an additional 70GB. A spokesperson said some Sosh customers had received similar offers.
Bouygues Telecom has informed some B&You customers that their plan prices will be revised annually from November 20. A company spokesperson said the adjustment is linked to an INSEE index reflecting changes in costs across the information technology, media and telecommunications sector.
Free said its two main plans remain unchanged: a €2 monthly plan with basic service and a €19.99 plan offering 5G and unlimited internet. The company says the plans have gained features without extra charges since it entered the mobile market in 2012. However, it has raised the price of its promotional “Free Series” plan for new customers from €8.99 to €12.99 a month since the start of the year.
Sources: Le Monde Économie.