Bouygues Telecom has introduced its Pure Fibre plan, offering remarkable 8 Gb/s internet for under 25 euros, alongside the dual-play Bbox fit. SFR counters with its Fibre Starter plan, featuring 1 Gb/s symmetrical speed at 30 euros and comprehensive TV services. While the Bbox fit is limited to internet and landline, SFR provides a more robust TV experience. Overall, SFR’s offering is positioned as the superior choice for consumers seeking a strong internet and TV combination.
Bouygues Telecom’s Latest Fiber Offer: A Game Changer?
Recently, Bouygues Telecom has shaken up the internet box landscape with its unique single-play offer, Pure Fibre. Priced under 25 euros per month, this plan delivers an impressive internet connection at 8 Gb/s. However, Bouygues also has a dual-play option available – the Bbox fit. This entry-level plan provides internet and telephony services, but with the decline in landline usage, one might wonder: is the Bbox fit on its way out?
SFR’s Competitive Edge: Fiber Starter Offer
On the other side, SFR’s Fibre Starter offer is making waves with its symmetrical speed of 1 Gb/s, presenting itself as a strong contender in the entry-level market at 30 euros per month, without promotional pricing. This comprehensive triple-play package includes internet, telephony, and TV services. But when we pit it against the Bbox fit, which option delivers greater value?
Both the Bbox fit and SFR Box 7 are undeniably aging models, with the former launched in 2018 and the latter in 2016. Despite receiving updates over the years, they lack cutting-edge hardware. Both support Wi-Fi 5, a somewhat outdated standard now predominantly functioning on the 5 GHz band. Some modems might offer dual-band Wi-Fi 5, but this often involves a 2.4 GHz band that operates as Wi-Fi 4.
Wi-Fi 5 still meets the basic needs of most users, especially those working from home. However, for individuals in crowded environments requiring a more reliable connection, Wi-Fi 6 may be necessary.
When examining the connectivity options, the Bbox fit has a slight edge mainly due to its focus on ADSL. It features a WAN port for connecting to an ONT box for fiber service. Conversely, the SFR Box 7 offers essential connectivity options without extra frills, making it more than adequate for users.
In terms of speed, the SFR Fibre Starter plan boasts a symmetrical speed of 1 Gb/s, nearly doubling the Bbox fit’s 600 Mb/s. While the Bbox fit meets everyday internet demands, gamers and streaming enthusiasts may find it lacking. Meanwhile, SFR’s offering is competitive, especially given that RED by SFR provides similar speeds for a lower price of 23.99 euros, although without TV services.
Despite SFR’s lower ranking in national fiber network quality assessments, its theoretical speeds suggest that the SFR Fibre Starter plan is the superior option, earning it a point in this comparison.
TV Services: A Decisive Factor
As a dual-play service, the Bbox fit lacks a TV decoder and only provides internet and landline telephony. Users can access TV services solely through the B.tv application, which features over 70 channels for free on various devices. However, the absence of a traditional TV decoder may deter some subscribers.
In contrast, the SFR Fibre Starter offer includes access to the SFR TV app, with an option for a decoder that supports a wide array of channels, including 4K broadcasting and advanced features like replay and recording. Although SFR does not include a subscription to any SVoD platforms, services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video remain accessible for additional fees.
In this TV service comparison, the Bbox fit falls short, lacking any dedicated offerings, while SFR clearly provides a comprehensive package. Thus, the SFR Fibre Starter takes the lead in this category as well.
In summary, while both Bouygues Telecom and SFR present viable options for consumers, the SFR Fibre Starter plan emerges as the more appealing choice for those seeking a robust internet and TV experience.