Telephone, internet or television: termination of contract

Verified 16 June 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

You want to know the procedure for terminate your contract? We will inform you of your rights and the procedure to follow for the termination. Also be aware that your operator can also terminate your contract if you do not pay your bills.

By Subscriber

You must first check whether or not your contract provides for a period of service. Your invoices show the duration of your remaining commitment or its end date.

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You're still on a commitment

The consequences and approach differ depending on whether you are in one of the following situations:

  • Your operator is not performing the expected service
  • You have a legitimate reason provided for in your contract (dismissal, hospitalization,...)
  • You have another motive (for example, you want to go to the competition)
  • Your operator has changed the terms of the contract without your consent
  • Your contract includes a tacit renewal
Your operator is not performing the expected service

You may terminate your contract before the end of your engagement if you demonstrate that your operator is not performing the expected service (or the expected service is not being performed properly).

The problem must be prolonged in time (e.g. a prolonged failure not resolved by the operator).

The approach is different depending on whether you have signed up for (or not) your online contract on your operator's website.

You have signed your contract online

You can terminate your online contract in just 3 clicks on your operator's website.

You can claim a refund for the subscription period during which the service was not rendered. If it is not possible to apply online at the same time as your request for termination, you must do so by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Other situation

To terminate your contract, you must make your request by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

You can use a template letter to write your mail:

Request the termination of your telephony or internet contract at the operator's expense

You can claim a refund for the subscription period during which the service was not rendered.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

You terminate for a legitimate reason (dismissal, hospitalization,...)

You may terminate your contract for legitimate reasons before the end of your engagement if your contract so provides.

Each operator shall define a list of grounds which it considers may justify the termination of the contract.

Reasons may include the following:

  • Dismissal under a CDI
  • Cases of force majeure (death, long-term hospitalization, imprisonment of more than 3 months)
  • Service inaccessibility following a move to Metropolitan France
  • Moving abroad
  • Over-indebtedness

The approach is different depending on whether you have signed up for (or not) your online contract on your operator's website.

You have signed your contract online

You can terminate your online contract in just 3 clicks on your operator's website.

You must scan a proof of your situation at your request for termination (for example, a copy of your termination letter).

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Other situation

To terminate your contract, you must make your request by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

You can use a template letter to write your mail:

Terminate its communications contract (internet, telephony, television) for a legitimate reason

You must attach a proof of your status to your termination letter (for example, a copy of your termination letter).

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

You terminate for another reason (for example, you want to go to the competition)

You may terminate your contract before the end of your engagement for personal convenience.

The consequences differ depending on when you want to terminate your contract (before the 12th)e month or later ) and depending on how you subscribe (online or offline).

Termination occurs before the end of the 12th month
You have signed your contract online

You can terminate your online contract in just 3 clicks on your operator's website.

You are not required to give a reason for termination.

You must pay a termination fee. These costs must be mentioned in your contract. They generally amount to about €50.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Other situation

To terminate your contract, you must make your request by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

You can use a template letter to write your mail:

Terminate his electronic communications contract for personal reasons

You are not required to give a reason for termination.

You must pay a termination fee. These costs must be mentioned in your contract. They generally amount to about €50.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Termination occurs at the end of the 12th month
You have signed your contract online

You can terminate your online contract in just 3 clicks on your operator's website.

You are not required to give a reason for termination.

You must pay a termination fee. These costs must be mentioned in your contract. They generally amount to about €50.

You do not have to pay the amounts due for the remaining commitment period. However, if your contract includes the sale of subsidized equipment (telephone, television, etc.), you may have to pay 20% maximum of the amounts due for the remaining commitment period. To find out the exact amount of the amounts due, you can refer to your contract or contact your operator.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Other situation

To terminate your contract, you must make your request by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

You can use a template letter to write your mail:

Terminate his electronic communications contract for personal reasons

You are not required to give a reason for termination.

You must pay a termination fee. These costs must be mentioned in your contract. They generally amount to about €50.

You do not have to pay the amounts due for the remaining commitment period. However, if your contract includes the sale of subsidized equipment (telephone, television, etc.), you may have to pay 20% maximum of the amounts due for the remaining commitment period. To find out the exact amount of the amounts due, you can refer to your contract or contact your operator.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Your operator has changed the terms of the contract without your consent

Your operator must inform you of any plans to modify the terms of your contract (for example, in the event of the loss of access to TV channels previously offered). This information must be sent to you in a durable medium (e.g. by mail) at least 1 month before the changes take effect.

This draft must inform you that you can, if you do not accept these new conditions, terminate your contract without any cost within 4 months of the notification of the draft amendment.

The approach is different depending on whether you have signed up for (or not) your online contract on your operator's website.

You have signed your contract online

You can terminate your online contract in just 3 clicks on your operator's website.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Other situation

To terminate your contract, you must make your request by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

You can use a template letter to write your mail:

Terminate its electronic communications contract as a result of its amendment

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Your contract includes a tacit renewal clause

Your contract may include a tacit renewal clause which implies that it is automatically renewed at the end of its term, and that it therefore commits you again.

In this case, your operator is obliged to inform you, at the latest 1 month before this extension, of the end of your contract and the methods of termination.

This information should be provided in a durable medium (e.g. by mail).

You may terminate your contract at any time from the date of extension of your contract.

The approach is different depending on whether you have signed up for (or not) your online contract on your operator's website.

You have signed your contract online

You can terminate your online contract in just 3 clicks on your operator's website.

To do so, you must respect a maximum notice period of 10 days.

You only have to pay the fees related to receiving the service during the notice period.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Other situation

To terminate your contract, you must make your request by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

To do so, you must respect a maximum notice period of 10 days.

You only have to pay the fees related to receiving the service during the notice period.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop as indicated in your contract. Your supplier must reimburse you for the security deposit paid when you signed your contract for the loan of the equipment. This reimbursement must take place within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return of the equipment.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

You're no longer under commitment

When the commitment date has passed, you are free to terminate your contract at any time.

The approach is different depending on whether you have signed up for (or not) your online contract on your operator's website.

You have signed your contract online

You can terminate your online contract in just 3 clicks on your operator's website.

You do not have to give a reason for termination.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop according to the terms of your contract. Your supplier must refund the security deposit for the loan of this equipment within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Other situation

To terminate your contract, you must make your request by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

You can use a template letter to write your mail:

Terminate his electronic communications contract for personal reasons

You do not have to give a reason for termination.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period of time to extend your contract (for example, in the case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box) by post or return it to a shop according to the terms of your contract. Your supplier must refund the security deposit for the loan of this equipment within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Your contract is non-binding

You are free to terminate your contract at any time.

The approach is different depending on whether you have signed up for (or not) your online contract on your operator's website.

You have signed your contract online

You can terminate your online contract in just 3 clicks on your operator's website.

You do not have to give a reason for termination.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period to extend your contract (in case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop according to the terms of your contract. Your supplier must refund the security deposit for the loan of this equipment within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

Other situation

To terminate your contract, you must make your request by post, preferably by registered letter with notice of receipt.

You can use a template letter to write your mail:

Terminate his electronic communications contract for personal reasons

You do not have to give a reason for termination.

Your operator has 10 free days from the day he receives your request to terminate the contract.

You can ask your operator for a longer period to extend your contract (in case of a move). You must specify in your application the exact date of the end of the contract you want.

Please note

If your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box ) by post or return it to a shop according to the terms of your contract. Your supplier must refund the security deposit for the loan of this equipment within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return.

In case of a dispute with your operator, you can to refer to the electronic communications ombudsman.

By the operator

Your carrier can terminate your subscription if you don't pay your bills.

Your contract must mention this possibility.

Termination occurs if your operator has sent you a notice of termination of the contract and you have not responded by paying for the delay.

Please note

if your contract is for the provision of internet access, you must return the material (e.g. box) by post or return it to a shop according to the terms of your contract. Your supplier must refund the security deposit for the loan of this equipment within a maximum of 10 clear days after the return.

Who can help me?

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