The latest figures from Arcep show that operators are selling fewer and fewer mobile plans. The number of new SIM cards put into circulation continues to decline over the months.
In addition to its missions, the Regulatory Authority for electronic communications, posts and press distribution, or Arcepregularly provides figures concerning mobile subscribers in France. Those for the 3rd quarter have just fallen and confirm a trend observed since the start of 2023: operators sell less than mobile plans than last year. We see it by the regular decrease in the number of new SIM cards on the market.
The following figures do not take into account MtoM SIM cards (Machine to Machine), that is to say those which are found in the connected alarm systemscertain elevators, fleets of professional vehicles… In total, there are currently 83.2 million SIMs In France. For the 4th consecutive quarter, their growth slowed down with 435,000 new cards. It is half as much as at the same time in 2022where there were 940,000 more. The drop affects all types of packages.
The number of new SIM cards in circulation continues to fall compared to 2022
In mainland France, in the so-called post-paid sector (classic plans), the quarterly growth of SIM cards reached 420,000when she was 720,000 last year. THE prepaid offers are stabilizing, but Arcep points out that this segment in almost continuous decline since 2012. By distinguishing between individuals and companies, we can see a strong disparity. In both cases, there is indeed a reduction in new SIM cards compared to 2022, but overall, the difference is marked. In one year, there are 0.2% SIM cards “general public” only more, compared to +4.9% among professionals.
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Overseas, the total number of SIM cards has fallen, but it is the prepaid which entirely bears the fall with less than 45,000 cards. The decline is explained in particular by a significant number of terminations of inactive cards. Same observation on the MtoM market, minus 135,000 this quarter. Again following many terminations.
Source: Arcep