French telecommunications are about to undergo a significant transformation as the ADSL service is set to be disconnected today, January 31, 2025, from 162 communes across the country. This marks the beginning of Orange's extensive plan to phase out the outdated copper network and replace it with faster fiber optic connections.
Christel Heydemann, the CEO of Orange, referred to this disconnection as "the beginning of a titanesque plan" aimed at modernizing telecommunications infrastructure. Over the next five years, this initiative will impact nearly 4 million homes as France transitions from ADSL to fiber optics.
According to reports, the first batch of communes affected includes various regions, predominantly located in northern France. Orange had conducted extensive outreach to prepare residents for this transition, but many are still expressing concerns about the potential impacts on their daily lives.
Fiber optic technology promises to deliver significantly faster and more reliable internet services compared to the aging ADSL setup. The push for this change is driven by the realization of the limitations posed by the copper infrastructure, which has served the French telecommunications sector for over 50 years. "The network, which has more than 50 years, no longer allows for sufficient internet connection quality for daily usage," stated service public.fr, underscoring the urgency for this transition.
The transition plan includes additional phases: on January 27, 2026, another 289 communes will be disconnected, and by January 31, 2027, approximately 2,145 more will follow. This expansion is significant, indicating the French government’s commitment to digitization and improving access to high-speed broadband throughout the nation.
A major concern highlighted by numerous stakeholders is the awareness and readiness among the affected populations. Reports indicate many residents, particularly seniors who continue to rely on traditional phone lines, remain unaware of the impending disconnections. Operators are ramping up efforts to communicate necessary information through flyers, emails, and direct outreach.
Despite these communication efforts, statistics show considerable knowledge gaps among the French public, with approximately 58% of citizens unaware of the ADSL phase-out. With most internet connections already transitioning to fiber optics, the challenge now lies primarily with those yet to switch.
Throughout the rollout of this plan, Orange assures affected areas will have access to fiber optic alternatives, but warns residents must actively engage to secure their connections. New subscriptions to ADSL will be unavailable after January 31, 2026, adding another layer of urgency for households to make arrangements for their internet needs.
Overall, the initiative signals not just a technological shift but also lays the groundwork for enhanced connectivity as part of France's broader digital strategy. By aligning with EU directives on telecommunication improvements, France aims to redefine its digital communication framework and secure its readiness for future technological challenges.
With the clock ticking and attention focused on ensuring all residents are properly informed, the clock is ticking. Today's disconnection is just the start of what looks to be one of the most significant technological shifts within the French telecommunications system.