Internet in rural France?

[emmahaynes]

Hi all! We're not new to the forum but new to this section
We currently live in Spain but we're seeking a simpler lifestyle in the form of eco living in rural France. (Rather hippyish I know) but what the heck you only live once and this is an ambition of mine.

Sooo my question. What's internet like in rural France? It's pretty non-existent in rural Spain and you need a signal receiver the size of a Russian satellite in order to get a basic line.

Needless to say we're currently living in a town because I need a 3g connection.

I'm not fussed if we need to get signal boosters or even a dish, providing we can get a 3g connection. I've seen on the Orange website that coverage is pretty good but I can't quite fathom the area very well because obviously a lot of the places we've looked at for land are often off the map! So trying to figure out where everything ties in is pretty difficult.

I'm hoping some internet buff on the site might be able to help me

Thanks in advance

Emma

[frogblogger]

I wouldn't believe everything Orange says - I'm in a remotish rural location, and my alleged 18 mb download speed actually hovers around 5 on a good day. The engineers don't seem to be able to do anything to improve the situation. Still, it could be worse.

Whether or not your line supports high speed broadband is another issue, there are areas where it does, others where it does not despite seeming to be closer to civilisation. One test is to get hold of a phone number from a neighbouring property to the one you are interested in, and enter it in Orange's (or any other service provider's) search box telling you whether that line is broadband compatible.

[emmahaynes]

Thanks for the suggestion Frogblogger, do they have wireless connections there? Or is it a case of requiring a line?

Thanks

[Bevdeforges]

Given the lifestyle you're talking about on your other thread, I suspect the two options you have for wireless Internet are either the mobile-based "dongle" (called a "3G clé") or true satellite Internet access.

The dongle approach will run you 30 - 40€ a month depending on if you take a mobile phone subscription with that or not, and how long you're willing to sign up for. You'd have to be sure to be in an area with decent coverage - there are still some "black holes" for mobile phone coverage in parts of rural France.

I don't know much about satellite access, though I suspect the equipment costs are significantly higher to start with. I haven't seen any satellite Internet services advertising in France, though I haven't been looking for them, either.
Cheers,
Bev

[minesthechevy]

See your other post for my feelings about a hippy who doesn't want to use the 'national grid' but 'needs' ADSL.

However, looking at << Europe Online - DSL Broadband Internet via Satellite >> will give you a reality check for the cost of satellite services.

[emmahaynes]

Originally Posted by minesthechevy

See your other post for my feelings about a hippy who doesn't want to use the 'national grid' but 'needs' ADSL.

However, looking at << Europe Online - DSL Broadband Internet via Satellite >> will give you a reality check for the cost of satellite services.

Once again...not a hippy. Secondly (as I've already explained) technology isn't the issue, it's how it's made and how it's powered that is.

Lastly, I'm only too aware of the costs of internet via satellite, I will reiterate...I LIVE IN SPAIN

[minesthechevy]

<<<Once again...not a hippy. >>>

So maybe you should not declare your intentions as being 'rather hippyish'??

<<<Secondly (as I've already explained) technology isn't the issue, it's how it's made and how it's powered that is.>>

Well France is the last place you need to come if you're bothered about a little thing like that, try googling <electricity, France, nuclear> and see what happens

[emmahaynes]

Originally Posted by minesthechevy

So maybe you should not declare your intentions as being 'rather hippyish'??

Oh I am sorry, maybe I should just slit my wrists and have done with it. Shouldn't you be pulling the legs off flies or something?

Well France is the last place you need to come if you're bothered about a little thing like that, try googling <electricity, France, nuclear> and see what happens

Look, I care about how I live. Not you, not jimbob down the road, me. Frankly, I don't see why that has anything to do with you.

[frogblogger]

Ok now everyone has established their pro and anti 'The Good Life' credentials, perhaps we could get back on topic?

[Annabell]

I live in rural France, about 1km from the village. I subscribe to Freebox, la meilleure offre ADSL: Internet, Téléphone, Télévision and have had no problems with them, i've been using them now for around 4 years with Free landline calls worldwide and free landline calls across France.
Hope this helps.
Annabell