FREE MOBILE VOLTE. The mobile phone operator is finally deploying VoLTE technology. To benefit from it, you must have a compatible phone and be subscribed to the unlimited plan, the other plans do not have this option.
Free had promised: VoLTE is available on its mobile phone network. We could even say finally available, as this technology has been long overdue when it has been offered for years by other major operators, Bouygues Telecom having even launched it in 2015 … As a reminder, VoLTE (for Voice over LTE ) is a voice communication technology which consists of passing the voice over the mobile Internet, in 4G or 5G, and not in GSM mode. Main interest: a significant improvement in the audio quality of communications, thanks to so-called HD (high definition) sound. But this is not its only asset, draws VoLTE is also shown to be more responsive, with a faster establishment of communication. Above all, VoLTE does not interrupt the data connection. Clearly, you can make phone calls while continuing to surf the Web, consult social networks, stream or download apps, which is not possible in 2G, the classic calling mode. A real plus on a daily basis, especially for those who share Internet connection via their mobile phone.
While Free is thus catching up with the competition, after several weeks of testing, VoLTE is not yet accessible to all of its subscribers. On the one hand, because this technology requires the use of a compatible telephone, which is not the case with all models in circulation. Free has also erected a list of compatible smartphones now and soon. Then, because certain formulas are excluded from this option, in particular the “small” package at 2 euros – which is understandable insofar as the volume of data is limited -, the Free Series packages – offered as temporary promotions, often via Veepee private sales -, and packages intended for professionals. In fact, only subscribers to the “classic” unlimited Free plan, 4G and 5G compatible, can take advantage of it. In addition, switching to VoLTE is not automatic: it must be activated in two steps, as Free explains on its practical sheet. You must first activate the service on the line by sending the word volte by SMS to 1337. Then activate VoLTE on the phone itself, a simple operation which is carried out in the settings. Note that this option obviously does not generate any additional costs.
What changes for the Free package at 2 euros?
The VoLTE option was one of the first changes announced by the operator at the end of September during the Free Communities Convention, an event held at the headquarters of Iliad, the parent company, in Paris, and during which the leaders of the company meet user associations to discuss the operator’s situation and projects, both on the network and on support, offers and services. The other important announcement concerned the famous 2 euro mobile plan. A very economical formula which made the heyday of the operator when it arrived on the market, in 2012, but which today suffers from the comparison with the aggressive offers of the competition, as well among MVNOs (virtual operators such as NRJ Mobile or Prixtel) than with traditional operators, with Bouygues Telecom and SFR in the lead. Admittedly, when we simply look at the prices, Free’s 2 euro package remains without real equivalent: it only offers 2 hours of calls, but SMS and MMS are unlimited, which is not the case for other packages at very low prices. On the other hand, the volume of data remains limited to 50 MB (after having been temporarily increased to 100 MB during the first confinement of 2020), which turns out to be notably insufficient given current uses, even for very moderate use (consultation mailbox, instant messaging). As a result, Free has lost a lot of ground in this segment in recent years, losing some 223,000 subscribers to its 2 euro package in 2020 and already 221,000 subscribers in the first half of 2021. Faced with this massive leak, Xavier Niel promised enrichment of the formula, but without specifying the exact content or the deadline. The specialists are counting on an unchanged price, to keep the attractive aspect of this emblematic offer, with an increasing volume of data. A probable response in the coming weeks, with, hopefully, a pleasant surprise.
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