Grants for fibre internet open to all in France: how they work
Help with laying new cables for the high speed connection technology is available
Copper wire is being slowly replaced by fibre optic connections across France, but the change will not be immediate
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Grants to help connect residents in France to fibre internet are now available to everyone who is experiencing difficulties switching from the old copper wire network to the new technology.
The grants, which were first launched on September 29, 2025, were previously only available to residents and very small businesses in communes specifically affected by the immediate closure of the old copper network (the 3,000 communes set to be disconnected before the end of January 2027).
Gradual switchover
Since March 1, government help for households to connect to fibre is now available for anyone who is experiencing problems, even if they are not listed on the immediate disconnection list.
Communications network Orange is gradually disconnecting the old ADSL copper phone and internet line grid, and replacing it with fibre connections. Orange is gradually completing the job nationwide, and has said that all old lines will be closed by the end of 2030.
You can check when your commune is expected to make the switch on this government tool, by entering the name of your commune and postal code.
Fibre optic work
In most cases, fibre connection should already be available as an alternative, or be scheduled to be set up by your existing internet provider in your area, at no extra cost to you. However, in some cases, extra work may be needed on the property, with the owner required to pay.
For example, work might include:
What are the conditions for financial help?
To be eligible, you must be the owner of the property in question, and it must be your principal residence.
You must must show proof of the above, and also have:
Received une attestation d’échec de raccordement (an official certificate of connection failure) issued by your internet operator
Not have already received financial assistance for work to connect to a fibre optic network
A family income of less than €29,316 per year.
How do I apply and what happens next?
Individuals and very small businesses can now apply for the grant via the website of l’Agence de services et de paiement (ASP).
Once the application is done, and you have submitted all supporting documents needed, the ASP will make a decision on your grant.
If you receive it, you can choose a company to carry out the connection work, and show them the grant decision (la notification d’octroi de l’aide). You must show this to the company before they can start work (as they will need it to get paid, see below).
The company will then create an invoice that clearly outlines the financial aid amount granted. ASP will then pay the company directly. It is up to the company (not the individual) to re-contact the ASP after the work has been completed.
The work must be completed (or have been) between September 1, 2025 and May 31 2027.
