The article discusses the growing availability of 5G home boxes as alternatives to traditional internet connections like fiber and ADSL. It highlights their competitive speeds, ease of setup, and commitment-free subscriptions, making them ideal for those without fiber access. The piece reviews various offerings from French telecom operators, including SFR, Bouygues, and Orange, focusing on performance, features, and pricing. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of choosing the right operator based on individual location and needs.
5G technology is expanding beyond just smartphones, introducing 5G boxes that deliver impressive theoretical download speeds exceeding 1 Gb/s. These 5G solutions are now competitive with some fiber offerings and significantly surpass traditional ADSL connections.
For users without fiber access or those who frequently need internet while on the go, 5G boxes provide an excellent alternative. These devices typically require no long-term commitment, allowing users to plug them in at home and enjoy high-speed internet on various devices instantly. In contrast, fiber connections often necessitate a technician appointment and can involve lengthy installation processes.
When selecting a 5G box, it’s essential to consider whether to opt for a 4G or 5G network and which provider will give you the best service. Explore the dedicated FAQ in this article for guidance on making an informed decision.
Top 5G Offers Comparison in France
In France, nearly all telecom operators are now providing 5G packages, with Free the lone exception, currently focusing on 4G+ offerings. However, this may soon change as Free ramps up its 5G development efforts.
SFR’s 5G Box
SFR recently launched its 5G box, boasting theoretical download speeds of 1.1 Gb/s and upload speeds of 100 Mb/s. This positions it slightly ahead of its competition, equipped with three RJ45 Ethernet ports for wired device connections. On the wireless side, it features Wi-Fi 6, which may fall short of expectations compared to the more advanced Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 alternatives.
SFR’s package includes unlimited calls to both landline and mobile phones in France, along with access to 130 TV channels through the SFR TV app on various devices. For users under 26, a discounted monthly rate of €29.99 is available. Overall, SFR offers one of the most economical solutions currently on the market.
Bouygues Telecom’s 5G Internet Offering
Bouygues Telecom pioneered the introduction of a 5G Box and offers theoretical download speeds of up to 1.1 Gb/s, with uploads reaching 58 Mb/s. While slightly lower in upload speed than SFR, this difference may go unnoticed for those who don’t frequently engage in upload-heavy activities.
Bouygues Telecom’s Box 5G significantly outperforms ADSL, facilitating smooth 4K streaming and heavy downloads. It features five RJ45 Ethernet ports, providing greater connectivity options compared to SFR. The device supports Wi-Fi 6 on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, ensuring efficient data distribution among connected devices.
Unlike SFR, Bouygues Telecom does not include TV channels with its 5G Box by default; however, customers can add the B.TV option for an additional €4 per month, granting access to 180 channels and popular streaming apps like Netflix.
Orange’s 5G Home Box
Orange’s 5G Box, using the flybox modem, can achieve theoretical download speeds of up to 1 Gb/s, alongside upload speeds of 100 Mb/s, comparable to its competitors. Orange stands out with its efficient network that utilizes Wi-Fi 6 for optimal speed distribution among connected devices.
While Orange’s package does not initially include television services, users can opt for a TV key at an extra €5 monthly for access to 70 channels via the Orange TV app.
Recent news indicates that Orange will introduce a new 5G+ offering on October 10, potentially boosting both speed and stability, especially for uploads. If considering a switch to a 5G Box for home use, waiting until this date may be advantageous.
Free: Awaiting the 5G Box
At present, Free is the only major telecommunications provider lacking a 5G Box, as it continues to offer 4G+ services while enhancing its 5G infrastructure. Anticipation surrounds Free’s forthcoming 5G offering, but details about pricing and speeds remain unclear.
Currently, Free provides its 4G+ box with a Huawei B715-23c router, offering maximum speeds of 320 Mbps. While this is superior to ADSL, it may experience less stability. Furthermore, users should note the limited data cap of 250 GB, which could be restrictive for regular video streaming and downloads.
Choosing the Right Box: Essential Considerations
What is a 5G Box and How Does it Work?
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