Fibre internet connection grant available in more than 3,000 French communes
See if you are eligible and how to apply ahead of the ADSL copper network shutdown
More than 93% of households in France are connected to fibre, but the government is aiming to reach 100% by the end of 2025
MMD Creative/Shutterstock
Still need to connect your house in France to high-speed fibre internet? If so, you could be eligible to receive a new government grant of between €400 - €1,200 to help.
The funding is part of the Plan France Très Haut Débit. It is aimed at eligible households in 3,000 communes nationwide that have not yet been able to connect to high-speed fibre because costly infrastructure work is needed before the connection can happen.
As of June 30, 93% of households in France had already been connected to fibre, but the government is aiming to reach 100% by the end of 2025. Some areas, for example, near Clermont-Ferrand (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) - are still lacking.
What are the grant amounts?
There are three levels of grants, as outlined by the Economy Ministry website.
The household will then have to cover any further costs.
Why is the grant being offered now?
The new aid comes after the €150 grants offered in 2017, and the €300 amount in 2022. This most recent offer is designed to target households and areas that are being particularly affected by the gradual shutdown of the ADSL network.
You can check on the status of the nationwide replacement of ADSL with fibre via an interactive map.
Who is eligible for the grant?
Households must comply with strict conditions to be eligible for the grant.
All of the following conditions must apply:
Must have an attestation d’échec de raccordement (proof of failure to connect) provided by your internet provider, showing that you signed up to a fibre internet package but could not be connected, anytime during the period of September 1, 2025 to January 31, 2027
Live in a single-household home used as your main residence
Live in an area where the ADSL connection is already closed, or will be before January 31, 2027
Have a household income of no more than €29,316 per year
Never have received any other financial aid for internet connection
The Orange network, which is coordinating the shutdown of ADSL, has estimated that 10,000 communes will be eligible by 2027.
However, the grant is currently only available for a total of 3,149 communes, most of which are in rural areas that have been struggling to get connected to fibre.
How can I apply for the grant?
There are five steps to the process, states the Economy Ministry website.
Contact your internet provider to request an attestation d’échec de raccordement
Check your eligibility according to the criteria above, and ensure you are in one of the 3,149 eligible communes
Put together your application file. This includes your attestation, justificatif de domicile (proof of residence), your dernier avis d’imposition (most recent tax notice) and devis de l’entreprise de travaux (quote for the work from the connecting company)
Make your request. Do this online at the dedicated Economy Ministry website page
Wait for the decision. If your application is approved, you will receive a notification and then the transfer of funds (either €400, €800, or €1,200).
The Economy Ministry advises that people wait to hear that they will receive aid before starting any work.
