French mobile operators race with ultra‑low‑cost plans

Several French mobile operators are keeping ultra‑cheap tariffs alive despite a market where prices for data‑rich plans have risen sharply. Free, RED by SFR, Auchan Telecom and Cdiscount still offer sub‑2 € monthly contracts with unlimited calls and SMS plus a modest data allowance, targeting light users, seniors and secondary lines. Prixtel’s "Le Petit" stands out as the only 5G‑enabled plan at 6.99 € per month, offering 20 GB of data and unlimited calls and texts, with tiered pricing that increases only if consumption exceeds the limit.

A broader comparison shows Free, RED, Sosh, B&You and other brands competing on 5G bundles ranging from 140 GB to 200 GB at prices between 11.99 € and 15.99 €, while low‑budget options such as Lebara (5.99 € for 50 GB) and Cdiscount Mobile (9.99 € for 100 GB) provide sizable data caps on 4G/5G networks. These offers aim at price‑sensitive consumers who prioritize cost over high data volumes, and they illustrate an ongoing segmentation of the French mobile market between premium data‑heavy plans and minimalist “stay‑connected” packages.