Mobile packages: prepare to pay more in 2025

After a year 2024 marked by a noticeable price drop, telecom consumers must expect a reversal in 2025. If prices had dropped last year, they are now intended to go up, for several reasons.

Last year was the party for consumers: Internet box prices dropped by 10 %, and Mobile packages23.96 %. You could have a package with more than 100 GB for less than € 13.87 per month, often with the 5G included. But this price level has become untenable. “Prices can no longer descend more” explains Julia Jimenez to Adsl & Fiber zone. Result: the prices of mobile plans have already climbed 5 % in January, and those of boxes will probably follow in the coming months.

Why do mobile packages increased in 2025?

Behind this increase, there is a well -established strategy of operators. In 2023 and 2024, they waged a real price war to recover customers, especially in Free, who had shaken the market. Bouygues Telecom, SFR, Orange, and their low-cost brands (B & You, Red, Sosh) have multiplied promotions, even if it weighed their margins.

But this war could not last. “The operators have stocked up with new customers and will now seek to make their park profitable”Benjamin Gervais analysis, founder of Adsl & Fiber zone. Clearly, finished the gifts.

The trap of large operators

Another point to watch is the growing gap between the prices of major brands (SFR, Orange, Bouygues) and their low-cost versions. According to a study, a package of more than 100 GB can cost SFR three times more than Red. Orange also invoices 124 % more than SOSH for similar services. The big brands are betting on their notoriety, but for those who want to master their budget, the low-cost alternatives remain a good choice.

Overall, the different operators adopt separate tariff strategies. Orange is positioned as the most expensive operator, justifying its prices by the quality of its network and its services. Bouygues Telecom and SFR offer intermediate prices, combining quality of service and attractive options. Free, meanwhile, maintains competitive prices, consolidating its position on the market. Virtual operators (MVNO) such as Prixtel, NRJ Mobile or Cdiscount Mobile offer the lowest prices, based on the infrastructure of major operators and by reducing costs related to customer service.

As usual, to take advantage of more advantageous prices, we will advise you to wait for the promotions periods, such as sales, school returns, etc.