Is Starlink a good option for internet access in rural France?
Alternative internet access provider focuses on rural properties and ‘nomads’
Starlink is aimed at rural residents
Valentin Valkov / Alamy
Reader Question: My friends who live in the rural US now use Starlink to access the internet, and say it is better than traditional providers. Is it available for residents in France too?
Starlink is an alternative internet service provider that has been open to French residents since June 2022.
It originally entered the market in 2021 before being temporarily revoked by top administrative court the Conseil d’Etat, as a public consultation had not been made over its introduction. It was later granted access to continue running here.
The aim of the provider is to bring internet access and broadband services to people mainly in rural areas, although it does also offer internet access to those in more built-up areas too.
Since its launch, more and more rural residents have signed up, and we have received mostly positive feedback about the service.
Current figures are hard to come by, but at the beginning of 2023 over 10,000 people were using the service in France, and this will have no doubt increased.
Read more: Musk’s Starlink internet growing popular in France: Your experiences
The core user base is made up of those who struggle to get good internet access with other providers, as their properties are isolated.
This can be the case for people in France, with homes in the countryside.
The costs
People who wish to use the system will need not only the monthly subscription for the services (in July 2024, this is €40 per month) but also buy a Starlink satellite receiver to set up at their homes.
On its website, Starlink offers this for €349, but other websites including FNAC and Darty offer it as well, sometimes for cheaper. Sales may also temporarily lower the cost of the one-off purchase.
Note that Starlink reserves the right to increase prices at any time, but customers can also cancel their contract whenever they wish.
It is also possible to subscribe to Starlink for ‘nomadic’ internet services, such as for campervans and mobile homes, as well as for boats. Prices for these services vary, with all information being available on the official Starlink website.
Read more: Cable theft leaves French village cut off from internet and phone
