Orange, the owner of the historic telecom network, has announced the gradual closure of the “copper” network throughout the country by 2030. The fiber-optic network is intended to replace the aging copper network on which the switched telephone network (PSTN) and DSL Internet services are based.

The closure will take place from 2023 to 2030 and covers all premises still using copper-based services, be they individual, company or government premises. Operators will inform users by post or e-mail whenever they are affected by the closure of the copper network.

“In the context of the modernization of telecoms infrastructure, the government's priority is to ensure the proper migration of subscribers by guaranteeing everyone access to Very High Bandwidth mainly through optical fiber,” the Ministry of Economy states in a november 7, 2023 news release.

Launch of the website treshautdebit.gouv.fr

The website treshautdebit.gouv.fr accompanies you in the steps to be implemented.

Find all answers to questions you may have as an individual:

• am i affected by the closure of the copper network?
• am i eligible for fiber optics?
• what if work is needed on my property to connect me to the fiber?
• what should i do if there are problems connecting to or using the fiber?
• what if i don't want to subscribe to fiber?
• what should i do if i encounter a dispute (commercial, contractual, technical...) with my telephone operator or my internet service provider?

Why the closure of the copper network?

The telephone and internet network has been based for 50 years on so-called “copper” technology that arrives in your home or business premises via a T-shaped socket.

The copper network provides access to the DSL Internet (Digital Subscriber Line, digital access line), making telephone calls or connecting certain devices such as remote alarms or remote assistance.

Orange owns the copper network and will gradually close it on the whole territory by 2030.

The closure is part of the government’s priority drive to modernize the country’s landline and internet infrastructure. Indeed, the copper network is aging and experiencing increasing quality of service problems. Optical fiber, which consumes on average four times less energy than copper, is being settled as it is more resilient.

This closure will involve the State services, all operators and local and regional authorities.

Who is affected by the shutdown of fixed telephony and DSL Internet services?

Even if Orange is not your supplier, all subscribers to an ADSL service (Assymetric Digital Subscriber Line, asymmetrical digital link) or telephone via the T socket are concerned.

• If you are using a fixed telephony and/or ADSL Internet service connected via a T-socket, you are concerned because this connection corresponds to an arrival of the copper network in your home.
• If you have a subscription through fiber, that is, if your box is connected to a white box (without T socket) and your invoice mentions fiber optic, then you are not affected.

To keep your phone and internet access, you will need to switch to a fiber subscription, or any other technology, with the carrier of your choice.

Am I eligible for fiber?

To verify your eligibility for fiber optics, you can enter your address on the dedicated page Arcep (Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications, Posts and Press Distribution).

If you are eligible, you can find out about consumer subscriptions and contact your preferred provider to connect your home.

If your current subscription is limited to the telephone only, you will be able to subscribe to the same type of offer once you have switched to fiber, this is a commitment of the operators.

How do I find out about the copper network shutdown?

Orange’s closure plan is supervised by the telecommunications regulator, Arcep, which proposes a Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also view the items available to you by the French Telecom Federation.