Before the internet was developed France had the Minitel. This slowed development of the internet in France, but over the last decade French internet has caught up with the rest of the world and is now arguably faster than in some other countries–particularly in Paris where the population density and sewer system facilitated the development of ADSL lines. Whether coming to France for a week or for the rest of your life, logging on couldn’t be easier.
Internet Cafes still exist
If you don’t want to lug your laptop around while you’re on vacation, you can still find internet cafes in major cities. In Paris (and maybe even some other cities) there are internet cafes open nearly round the clock. Expect to pay between 0.50 and 1 euro for fifteen minutes with digressive increases if you want to stay online longer. Some providers will even let you buy time in bundles of five or ten hours, but if you’re just on holiday it won’t be worth it. And if you plan on doing more than just surfing the net–printing documents, burning CDs, etc–expect to pay more.
WiFi networks
Paris has particularly caught on to the idea of WiFi, going as far as installing free to use networks in many city parks and gardens, libraries, and town halls. To connect to the network in one of these places, just look for the Paris_WiFi network. You’re limited to two hours at a time though.
There are also a number of cafes and restaurants with free wifi.
Internet at home, how does it work?
If you’re coming to live in France for a year or longer, you can have internet installed at home. In most major cities, you can have your phone line with whatever telecoms company you like (not just France Télécom). Internet often comes bundled with a landline and cable television. Expect to pay around 30€ per month for the lot-more if you want extra option and channels. Some companies are beginning to install fibre optic networks (particularly in Paris) with up to 100 mbps connexions, and this will also cost extra.
Mobile Internet
If you’re often on the go in France, telecoms companies are also offering mobile internet keys that plug into the USB port on your laptop. Coverage can be patchy however. If you want an idea of prices, SFR offer unlimited mobile internet for 30€ per month if you already have a mobile phone plan with them, and Orange bundle two hours of mobile internet with home internet, phone and television for 44€ per month.
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