France telecommunications transition: copper and 2G networks to be phased out

France is undergoing a major transition in its telecommunications infrastructure as older networks are phased out. In the Ariège department, the copper telephone network is scheduled for extinction in 29 communes by January 31, 2027. This process will expand to 80 more communes in 2028, with the entire department expected to be disconnected from the copper network by the end of 2029. Orange, the primary operator, reports that many households have already transitioned to fiber optics.

Simultaneously, the 2G mobile network is set to disappear across France by the end of 2026. In the Yvelines region, specific shutdown dates have been established: Orange and Free will cease 2G services on October 20, 2026; SFR on November 15, 2026; and Bouygues Telecom by December 15, 2026. Users relying on older devices for voice and SMS will need to upgrade to at least 4G-compatible technology to maintain connectivity.