People in France are warned to be alert to companies trying the ‘hard sell’ for fibre internet subscriptions in preparation for the shutdown of the ADSL copper network in 2030.
There have been reports of aggressive tactics from some less-than-scrupulous companies, reports network Orange, including marketers falsely suggesting that people who do not switch immediately will lose their ADSL internet connection ‘next month’, or will be breaking the law.
Neither of these claims is true.
Although true that the ‘legacy’ ADSL copper network (cuivre) is being shut down (and no new lines have been placed since 2023) the full shutdown will only be complete by 2030, and lines will not be closed overnight.
Copper wires were used to provide fixed line telephone and internet services (ADSL, SDSL, VDSL), but this system is now slowly being replaced by fibre which is much faster and cheaper to maintain.
Fibre optic changeover
More than 90% of homes in France are considered to be eligible for fibre optic internet. Under the new system, your ADSL ‘box’ will be recycled, and your copper line will be replaced. However, you will still have a phone line and should be able to keep your existing number.
Homes that are eligible for fibre will be required to make the switch before their copper network is shut down or risk their ADSL service being cut off. However, you will be given considerable notice before this happens.
Where and when is ADSL shutting down?
Some areas of France have already started to see the phasing out of copper wire but there is no requirement or law to change suppliers immediately, especially if your area has not yet switched.
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Orange has created this interactive map showing the gradual rollout and change of ADSL to copper, which enables you to check the status in your area.
The map lets you search by code postal to see the status of the ADSL shutdown in your areaReseaux.orange.fr
All operators require the homeowner’s express permission to change their internet supply, including installing new fibre wires or switching your internet connection type. Genuine operators will write to their customers in advance giving them time to switch internet type with plenty of notice, as required by law.
This map also lets you search by location to check the copper shutdown scheduleAriase.com
How to spot a fake email or marketing message
Some companies are posing as legitimate organisations, including communications authority ARCEP (Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques, des Postes et de la Distribution de la Presse), to push their false claims and ‘hard selling’ tactics even further.
Operator Orange, which is taking charge of the switchover from copper, advises people to “pay attention to detail”, including:
A mistake or extra letter in the sender’s name
An unusually long or unfamiliar email address
Spelling mistakes in the body text
A mobile phone number starting with 06 or 07 (in France)
A low-quality company logo in the email.
It states: “If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely that the message is not from your internet service provider or a government agency. Do not respond to these requests.”
How to report a fake message or call
You can report this kind of fraudulent messages to:
