In today’s fast-paced digital world, smartphones have evolved from mere communication tools to an essential part of everyday life. The latest digital barometer by Arcep (the Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques, des Postes et de la Distribution de la Presse), in collaboration with CREDOC, provides deep insights into how smartphone usage in France has changed over the past few years. EU Digital Markets Act

This detailed report unveils key trends in mobile phone ownership, data consumption, and the growing significance of digital platforms. Let’s break down the findings and see what they reveal about our connected society and the impact of the EU Digital Markets Act.

Arcep’s Digital Barometer: Setting the Stage

Every year, Arcep releases a digital barometer that paints a clear picture of the mobile and broadband landscape in France. The 2024 report highlights the progress of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), smartphone usage trends, and the impact of technological developments on French consumers. The findings offer a detailed snapshot of digital behaviors in France, making it an essential source for understanding the evolving role of technology in daily life.

The DMA’s Role in Shaping the Mobile Market

One of the most compelling aspects of this year’s report is how the EU ’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has begun to impact big tech companies like Google and Apple. Arcep’s report notes that the DMA, which came into effect in March 2024, is forcing these companies to comply with new regulations aimed at ensuring fairness in digital markets.

Key Points on DMA Compliance:

• Google: The European Commission has issued a preliminary ruling stating that Google’s app marketplace, Google Play, doesn’t comply with the DMA. This is due to its bias toward Google’s own services, which may hinder competition.
• Apple: Apple has been instructed to open up its ecosystem to support non-Apple accessories such as smartwatches, headphones, and TVs, thus encouraging greater interoperability across the iOS platform.

These moves aim to foster more open and competitive digital markets in Europe, ensuring consumers have more choices and access to better services.

Smartphone Ownership in France: A Near-Ubiquitous Phenomenon

Arcep’s findings show that smartphones are now a staple of everyday life in France. In 2024, 98% of people aged 12 and up own a mobile phone—an increase of 4% compared to last year. This reflects a broader trend seen across Europe, where mobile phones have become essential tools for both personal and professional use.

• Smartphone Ownership: 91% of French people aged 12 and older own a smartphone, highlighting its central role in modern society.
• Connected Devices: Beyond smartphones, other connected devices, such as smart speakers and home automation tools, have also become more prevalent. Smart speaker ownership, for example, has risen to 33%, surpassing landline phone usage.

How Long Are French Users Keeping Their Smartphones?

The report also sheds light on the growing trend of users holding onto their smartphones longer. In 2020, only 16% of people kept their smartphones for over three years. By 2024, this number has increased to 27%.

Smartphone Longevity Trends:

• Smartphone Reuse: Many users opt to keep their old devices, and half the population now owns smartphones that are no longer in use.
• New vs. Used Smartphones: Despite the rise of refurbished phones, 78% of new handsets sold in France are new, leaving 22% for used or repurposed devices.

This growing trend towards smartphone longevity could be linked to several factors, including software obsolescence, which makes it harder to keep older devices functioning smoothly, and environmental awareness, with people holding onto their devices to reduce waste.

Fiber Internet Adoption: A Significant Leap Forward

Another major finding from Arcep’s report is the widespread adoption of fiber-optic broadband. As of 2024, 75% of people in France with a fixed internet connection now have access to a fiber or cable plan—up by 8% from the previous year.

• Fiber Connectivity: Fiber internet is expanding rapidly, particularly in smaller municipalities with populations under 20,000, where fiber subscription rates now approach those found in major cities.
• Copper Line Decline: The shift from copper lines to fiber internet represents a significant technological leap, bringing faster and more reliable internet access to households across France.

Smartphone Addiction: A National Concern

The report also highlights a growing concern about smartphone addiction. Nearly three-quarters of the population report spending over two hours a day on their mobile devices. For some, this time exceeds five hours a day.

Screen Time Insights:

• Youth vs. Elderly: Younger users, particularly those aged 18-24, spend the most time on their phones but are also the most likely to feel that they’re overusing them. In contrast, only 31% of people aged 70 and over consider their screen time excessive.

• Social Media Influence: Social media platforms contribute significantly to screen time. 59% of users who frequently check social media feel that their screen time is excessive, far more than those who don’t use these platforms regularly.

Data Consumption: Bigger Plans, More Data

In line with global trends, mobile data consumption is increasing, though more slowly than in previous years. The report indicates that the percentage of users on plans with over 100GB has more than doubled in four years.

• More Data, But Not Fully Used: Even with larger data plans, two-thirds of users still rarely consume their entire monthly allowance.
• Data Growth: Monthly data consumption averages around 16.5 GB per SIM card, with a steady growth rate of over 10% from 2023.

The increasing use of mobile data suggests that people are relying more on their devices for a variety of services, from entertainment to remote work.

Recycling and Sustainability: A Circular Economy for Devices

Arcep’s 2024 report also highlights a growing awareness of sustainability in the tech world. Despite this, many French households still have unused digital devices lying around.

• Recycling Rates: Around two devices per household are no longer in use and could be repurposed or recycled.
• Carbon Footprint: Since 2022, mobile service providers have made information available about the carbon footprint of data traffic, though only 40% of users are aware of this feature.

The Future of Mobile Technology in France

As Arcep’s report suggests, the future of mobile technology in France seems to be heading toward increased connectivity, more data-driven services, and an emphasis on sustainability. The regulatory measures introduced by the EU Digital Markets Act will continue to shape the landscape, ensuring that consumers have greater freedom of choice in how they access and use digital services.

Looking Ahead:

• Interoperability: We can expect greater cross-platform compatibility, particularly in the case of Apple and its devices.
• Green Tech: The growth of fiber networks and an emphasis on recycling could lead to a greener, more sustainable mobile ecosystem in the coming years.

Conclusion: A More Open and Connected Future

Arcep’s 2024 Digital Barometer paints a picture of a rapidly evolving digital landscape in France. The rise of smartphones, the impact of the Digital Markets Act, and a growing shift toward sustainable tech practices show that the mobile industry is becoming more diverse, inclusive, and conscious of its environmental footprint. These shifts indicate that the future of technology in France will be one that prioritizes openness, consumer choice, and sustainability.