Mobile plans: is the operators' price war benefiting consumers?

Competition among mobile operators continues to rage. The average price of 4G mobile plans with at least 20 GB of data and unlimited calls has fallen by more than 40% in two years.

According to the Ariase monthly barometer for April 2025, the rate was just over 17 euros in 2023, compared to less than 10 euros today. This is the rate applicable only to new customers.

Red by SFR offers the cheapest package on the market, at €5.40. Behind it are Bouygues Telecom (€6), then Free and Sosh (€6.40). SFR and Orange have much higher prices, at €16.41 and €18.41 respectively.

This price drop is explained in particular by the lack of change in the French market, which is no longer growing. Low-cost packages have become the best weapon for operators to lure customers away from the competition.

The trend could continue. Free's €2-per-month plan, which can be boosted with more GB up to €3.99, will see further price cuts to align with Red by SFR, which offers 30 GB for €4.99.

These price cuts are also likely to extend to other plans. All of the operators' low-cost brands (Red, Sosh, B & You) now offer between 100 and 200 GB of 5G for less than 10 euros per month.