In its observatory of mobile services markets in the second quarter of 2022, Arcep observes a good increase in the number of SIM cards, which continues to remain at a high level of 2.3 million for a year, to reach 81.6 million. as of June 30, 2022.
The telecoms regulator indicates that the growth comes “entirely from the post-paid segment”, since the proportion of prepaid cards fell further this quarter to stand at around 9% at the national level.
In mainland France, the business market proved to be particularly dynamic this quarter. “The growth in the number of SIM cards with this clientele contributes more than 25% to the increase in the total number of SIM cards, while this market segment (10.7 million SIM cards at the end of June 2022) represents only 15 % of the total number of SIM cards in service”, notes Arcep.
Fewer virtual operators
In addition, the market share of mobile virtual operators (MVNO) continues to decline to 6.7% against nearly 8.3% the previous quarter, while the list of virtual operators taken over by national operators continues to grow. . For example, SFR recently acquired Syma, after Prixtel, Afone and Coriolis.
However, unlike packages, the majority of prepaid card sales are still made by virtual mobile operators (i.e. 50.6% of gross sales this quarter), notes the report, despite a decrease of 11.6 points in a year.
In addition, the increase in the number of customers who are not or no longer committed to their operator continues at “a sustained pace”, evokes Arcep. Their share reached 75% this quarter. It should be noted that the number of numbers kept by customers following a change of operator decreased for the first time in a year and a half, by -9.3% in one year.
Overseas, after three quarters of high growth, particularly in the second half of 2021, the number of SIM cards stabilized at 2.7 million as of June 30, 2022. In virtual decline for eight years, prepaid cards still represent 26 % of all SIM cards in service in overseas departments and communities, compared to less than 10% in mainland France.