More than 11 million people in France lack high-speed internet access
Over 11 million people in France lack high-speed internet access, with rural areas being disproportionately affected. Calls for improving regulation, establishing a legal right to quality internet, providing compensation for poor connections, allowing fee-free cancellations, and banning subscriptions have been made. Additionally, issues with the rollout of fiber optic technology may be exacerbating the problem.
A new report by consumer association UFC-Que Choisir has found that over one in six households in France cannot access high-speed internet, despite the government’s France Très Haut Débit plan. The report called for improvements in regulation, a legal right to quality internet, compensation for poor connections, and fee-free cancellations. The study also found that rural areas are worst affected, with up to 20% of residents ineligible for a high-speed connection in 45 departments nationwide. The report calls for the government to improve regulation, establish a legal right to quality internet, introduce compensation for residents, allow fee-free cancellations, and ban subscriptions. Additionally, the rollout of fibre optic technology has led to multiple problems and could be making the connection situation worse.