Like other operators, SFR now offers an Internet box using fixed 5G for individuals without access to fiber in France. The key is very high speed worthy of fiber and Wi-Fi 6.
There is not only optical fiber to access the Internet at very high speed: you can also use the mobile network… including landline, at home! After 4G, which already offers a very good connection speed compared to ADSL, 5G is now coming to residential boxes. An interesting alternative for those who live near a 5G antenna in an area where fiber has not yet been deployed. While Bouygues Telecom launched the first 5G box to the general public in 2022, it is now SFR’s turn to do the same. Thus, the operator launched on August 28 its new 5G box for individuals – it was already offered, but only for professionals and businesses. Equipped with very high speed, it is offered at 39.99 euros per month, but it is possible to obtain it at the special price of 29.99 € per month with opening fees waived provided you are under 26 years old.
SFR 5G Box: an offer that holds up
In practice, SFR’s fixed 5G offer is based on a special box – compatible with 5G technology, of course. Manufactured by the equipment manufacturer TP-Link, it takes the form of a long, rather imposing black rectangle placed vertically. Its major advantage: there is no need to call in a technician to install it. In fact, all you have to do is plug it into the mains and insert the SIM card supplied with it, then press the “ON/OFF” button. It then connects to the 5G network in a few seconds.
This new box provides an asymmetric Internet connection of up to 1.1 Gbit/s downstream (download) – as good as fiber! – and up to 100 Mbit/s upload (upload), which is pretty good. Be careful, these are theoretical 5G speeds! Equipped with three 1 Gigabit Ethernet sockets, located at the back, and a Wi-Fi 6 module, it can connect up to a maximum of 128 devices (computers, phones, tablets, TVs, connected objects, etc.). In addition, it is possible to connect a landline, thanks to the RJ11 port – be careful, the cable is not provided. Note that calls are unlimited to landlines and mobiles in France, and that the offer allows you to benefit from 130 TV channels via the SFR TV application, available on mobile. In short, this is a real Internet box, sufficient for domestic and family use.
SFR 5G Box: a price that aligns with the competition
As for prices, SFR is offering this 5G Box without commitment at 39.99 euros per month without commitment, an attractive rate that will perhaps allow the operator to compete with the 5G box offers from Bouygues Telecom – starting at 40.99 euros per month, but with a lower download speed – and Orange – at 42.99 euros per month. SFR is also trying to attract young people, with a special offer for those under 26, who can benefit from the box at a preferential rate of 29.99 euros per month. This is again a response to Bouygues and Orange, which respectively offer a similar, fairly flexible offer at 24.99 euros per month for the former (see our article) and 29.99 euros per month for the latter.
Be careful though: to benefit from the 5G box, you must of course be located near a 5G SFR antenna! An eligibility test is offered immediately on the operator’s website before any subscription.