Bouygues Telecom has launched new offerings, including the Bbox ultym Wi-Fi 7, replacing the older Bbox ultym Wi-Fi 6E and Bbox fit Wi-Fi 5. The B&YOU brand features the Pure Fibre plan, focusing on internet service without TV, priced at €23.99/month. A comparison reveals that the Pure Fibre modem supports faster speeds and better connectivity than the Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6, which includes some additional features but lacks the same performance, making the Pure Fibre a compelling choice for high-speed needs.
Introducing Bouygues Telecom’s Latest Offerings
Bouygues Telecom has made significant updates to its product lineup with the launch of the Bbox ultym Wi-Fi 7, available on its online store. This transition marks the end of the Bbox ultym Wi-Fi 6E and the Bbox fit Wi-Fi 5. The latter has been upgraded to feature a Wi-Fi 6 modem, known as the Bbox Polymèle, which is also included in the Bbox must plan. With these changes, customers can expect improved performance in a dual-play offer, albeit at a higher price point!
Meanwhile, the B&YOU brand showcases Bouygues Telecom’s flagship offer, the Pure Fibre plan. This single-play option focuses solely on providing internet connectivity, without a TV decoder, and charges separately for telephony services. At a competitive price of €23.99 per month, it raises the question: Is it a better deal than the new Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6? Let’s explore this head-to-head comparison!
Connectivity: A Comparison of Wi-Fi Standards
The B&YOU Pure Fibre and Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6 modems are both relatively modern devices. The former utilizes the Bbox “Éole,” which was initially introduced in 2020 but received a significant upgrade in 2022 to support Wi-Fi 6E. The Bbox fit plan features the Bbox “Polymèle,” launched in 2022 as well. Both modems boast a sleek vertical design, a departure from the rectangular prism shape of the older Bbox Sensation, and are engineered for enhanced Wi-Fi signal distribution with antennas positioned on top.
The Bbox fit modem supports Wi-Fi 6, a standard endorsed by the Wi-Fi Alliance since 2019. While this technology is gradually being adopted in homes, it operates on two frequency bands: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, offering improved speeds and reduced latency compared to its predecessor, Wi-Fi 5. This standard was designed to better manage the increasing demands on home networks.
Conversely, the Bbox “Éole” takes advantage of the more advanced Wi-Fi 6E, which debuted in 2021. This upgraded version adds a third frequency band at 6 GHz, significantly enhancing speeds and minimizing latency. The reduced interference on this less congested band allows for a more stable connection. However, higher frequencies come with a trade-off; the range is shorter, making Wi-Fi 6E potentially less effective at penetrating walls. Nevertheless, this modem represents a notable technological leap.
In terms of connectivity, the Pure Fibre plan excels with its 10G Ethernet port, offering the potential for speeds four times greater than the Bbox must plan. Additionally, it features an extra USB-A port for added convenience. The Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6, with its 2.5G Ethernet port, serves primarily as a fifth Gigabit Ethernet port, making its speed capabilities somewhat limited. Clearly, the B&YOU Pure Fibre takes the lead in this round.
Speed Comparison: Power of the Pure Fibre
The differences in speed between the Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6 and the B&YOU Pure Fibre are quite pronounced. Although the Bbox Polymèle is theoretically capable of reaching download speeds of 2 Gb/s, real-world limitations cap it at just 1 Gb/s, with upload speeds maxing out at 700 Mb/s.
In stark contrast, the B&YOU Pure Fibre offers remarkable download speeds of up to 8 Gb/s, contingent upon eligibility. Upload speeds reach 1 Gb/s. To achieve these speeds, customers must activate the Débit+ option (at no extra cost) in their account settings. If eligibility requirements aren’t met, the speeds drop to a still impressive 2 Gb/s download and 900 Mb/s upload, which surpasses those of the Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6.
Thus, the B&YOU Pure Fibre clearly holds the advantage in this speed comparison.
Service Features: Which Offer is More Generous?
Both the B&YOU Pure Fibre and the Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6 are relatively stripped-down offers. The Pure Fibre plan consists solely of a modem and internet connection, while the Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6 includes fixed telephony. However, a recent survey indicates that only 16% of French households still rely on a landline daily. Although it’s possible to utilize a fixed line with the Pure Fibre, all calls incur charges, highlighting the diminishing relevance of fixed telephony in today’s world.
Neither offer includes Wi-Fi repeaters as standard equipment. However, both options allow customers to rent Wi-Fi repeaters at a monthly fee—€4 for Pure Fibre and €3 for Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6—after conducting a Wi-Fi analysis at home. Notably, the Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6 provides a 200 GB 4G key upon subscription, giving it a slight edge in this round.
In summary, while the B&YOU Pure Fibre excels in speed and connectivity, the Bbox fit Wi-Fi 6 offers a few additional features that may appeal to specific users.
Ultimately, when considering the overall value for money, the B&YOU Pure Fibre stands out as an attractive option for those seeking high-speed internet at a competitive price, especially when comparing costs over a two-year period.