Digital barometer: what we remember from the internet and mobile habits of the French

The Digital Barometer is an annual study carried out by CREDOC which analyzes the distribution of digital equipment and the evolution of their uses. What are the uses of French consumers and are they satisfied with the internet and mobile networks to which they have access? Here’s a little recap of what we picked up.

Demanding consumers in their digital uses

In 2022, household equipment has multiplied compared to 2021. More and more people have connected objects such as speakers, tablets, computers, TVs and smartphones. 8 out of 10 users have a fixed telephone and 87% of survey respondents say they own a smartphone. They use it in particular for:

• telephone and send messages;
• browse the internet and social networks;
• play online video games;
• make purchases online;
• listen to the radio.

Without surprise, smartphone use is actually on the rise when that of television reduces. This does not prevent 95% of those questioned from owning at least one television set, half of them for less than 5 years. Most of the televisions purchased in recent years have been for financial or comfort reasons, in particular to move upmarket or take advantage of a promotion on box and connected TV packs from their operator, for example.

In fact, 83% of users equipped with a television state that they watch television via the box of an internet service provider. The diversity of services offered and the quality of subscriptions and networks allow them to claim more than just DTT channels.

General satisfaction with internet and mobile networks

Whether for connected TVs or smartphonesthe various tasks to which they give access require a stable internet and mobile network regardless of the place of residence.

In 2022, 85% of users will have a fixed internet connection, half of which will be fiber optic. Indeed, the rapid deployment of fiber networks in recent years has accelerated even if it is not similar everywhere. There is a decline in rural municipalities compared to large cities. Globally, 85% of respondents are satisfied with their fixed internet networks and it even goes up to 92% for fiber owners.

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But what about their opinion on the mobile networks ? These are essential for sending and receiving messages, making voice calls and browsing the internet. With the deployment of 4G and 5G, 85% of users surveyed, all uses and operators combined, are satisfied with the quality of service of their mobile network.

We still have some disparities depending on the territory, but this tends to decrease compared to 2019. 4G is indeed available to 99% of French people via the Orange, Free, SFR or Bouygues networks. Regarding 5G network launched at the end of 2020, it currently covers several thousand municipalities in France, the objective being to cover 100% of the territory in 2030. In the meantime, it is the users of rural municipalities who are the most dissatisfied, especially with regard to video calls and the practice of video games, in particular among 18 and 24 year olds.