Wireless Telecommunications Services in France - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Wireless Telecommunications Services in France industry analysis

In recent years, the French wireless telecommunication services industry has experienced significant change, spurred by the advancement of 5G technology. Key players like Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free Mobile have led this transformation, rolling out 5G networks to enhance data speeds and reduce latency. Network sharing agreements between operators have enabled extensive 5G site deployment, making France a leader in 5G speeds among G7 nations. While the introduction of 5G has bridged some connectivity gaps, particularly in rural areas, competition among Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) has intensified. This competitive landscape has led to consolidation, with established MNOs acquiring MVNOs to increase their market share in the broader telecommunications market and improve their service offerings.
Over the five years through 2025, revenue is expected to decline at a compound annual rate of 2.6% to €23.6 billion. This is partly a result of intense price competition. French telecoms emphasise offering innovative bundled packages, combining fixed and mobile services to attract and retain customers. This competitive market environment drives significant investments in network performance and capacity. Mergers and acquisitions continue to reshape the landscape, leading to a more concentrated market and spurring innovation as operators seek to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the digital domain. Revenue is forecast to climb by 0.2% in 2025.
Over the five years through 2030, revenue is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 1% to €24.8 billion. The French wireless telecommunication services industry will likely capitalise on the burgeoning Internet of Things market, leveraging 5G capabilities to support a wide array of applications across various sectors. As data consumption rises, investments in MIMO technology and telecommunications infrastructure will become crucial, enabling operators to boost network capacity and performance. Demand for infrastructural maintenance services is set to grow, offering opportunities for companies specialising in telecom facilities. The challenge for operators will be to balance significant technological investments with competitive pricing strategies to maintain their market positions.

Trends and Insights

• The use of mobile data has become more popular. Customer preferences have shifted away from traditional services, like SMS and MMS messaging, and now use data to use alternative messaging services.
• The rising popularity of apps reduces demand for traditional services. More customers use apps like WhatsApp to make calls and texts, aiding demand for data services.
• Larger carriers leverage economies of scale. Running large-scale operations is beneficial as carriers can leverage economies of scale and scope to expand their portfolios, develop infrastructure and consolidate their business.