New financial aid to connect fibre broadband to homes in France
Households facing high costs due to end of copper network can get help from September
The scheme will apply to connection work carried out between September 1, 2025, and May 31, 2027
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A new financial aid scheme will be introduced from September 1, 2025 to help residents and small businesses cover the cost of fibre broadband installation where technical obstacles have made connection difficult or expensive.
The scheme, established by a decree published on July 18, will apply to connection work carried out between September 1, 2025, and May 31, 2027.
It forms part of the national transition away from the copper ADSL network, which is being progressively shut down by operator Orange and replaced with fibre optic services.
The aid will be means-tested and only available for main residences where a normal connection to the fibre network has failed due to the need for further work on private-property, such as erecting a telegraph post to relay the fibre cable.
It cannot be used alongside other state grants.
While no exact figures have been published as to how much of the total cost the aid will cover, consumer magazine UFC Que-Choisir reports the government has earmarked €16million towards the scheme.
Both individuals and small businesses (fewer than 10 employees and turnover below €2million) are eligible.
The support is designed to ensure that all households have access to the fibre network under equal conditions, regardless of technical or financial barriers.
The amount of the aid will depend on the scale of the work required, categorised into three levels:
Faible ampleur (minor works)
Ampleur moyenne (moderate works)
Gros travaux (major works)
The person or company carrying out the work will apply the aid directly, deducting the amount from your final bill. You will be notified in advance of the level of support approved.
At present, only residents in communes included in the first three batches of the ADSL shutdown are eligible:
Further closures are scheduled in 2028, 2029 and 2030, following Orange’s nationwide decommissioning calendar.
The aim is to ensure continuity of service during the switch from copper to fibre, which allows much faster and more stable internet speeds.
To check fibre coverage in your area, use the official ARCEP interactive map (Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques).
Enter your address to view fibre availability, network speed, and operator coverage. The site is updated regularly as the rollout progresses.
Once eligibility is confirmed you can explore fibre subscription options with your preferred provider. Most offer internet, television and telephone packages via the same connection.
Extremely isolated areas where a fibre connection is unfeasible may be eligible for a grant towards a satellite dish to better access internet.
