Like other operators, Free now offers an Internet box using fixed 5G for individuals who do not have access to fiber in France. With two major advantages: Wi-Fi 7 and a very attractive price.
Free was the first French operator to offer an Internet box compatible with Wi-Fi 7 with the Freebox Ultra, where the others offer, at best, Wi-Fi 6E – it was recently joined by Bouygues Telecom, which started sending some of its customers a new Bbox compatible with this technology (see our article). The Freebox Ultra offers a maximum speed of 8 Gbit/s symmetrically, that is to say both downstream and upstream.
The operator also offers its Freebox Pop compatible with Wi-Fi 7, but with lower performance compared to its big sister. But he does not forget those who do not have access to fiber. The 5G Box offers an interesting alternative for those who live near a 5G antenna, in an area where fiber has not yet been deployed. Free innovates by offering, since Tuesday, December 10, the very first 5G box compatible with Wi-Fi 7. Plus, it’s the cheapest on the market!
5G Free Box: a complete and generous offer
This new Freebox was manufactured by Nokia striving to be as responsible as possible. Thus, it has a white shell made of more than 90% recycled material. Its cardboard packaging is 100% recyclable and the protective film is made from biodegradable rice paper. But the center of interest concerns its compatibility with Wi-Fi 7, a technology which offers, as we recall, much higher speed, reduced latency, better stability, and advanced multi-device management.
This new box provides an asymmetric Internet connection of up to 1.5 Gbit/s down (download) – as good as fiber! – and up to 130 Mbit/s upstream (upload with the 3.5 GHz band in 5G), which is pretty good. On these two metrics, Free is therefore the best on the market. Please note, these are theoretical 5G speeds! In 4G+, you will have to make do with 260 or 320 Mbit/s in reception and 50 Mbit/s in transmission, numbers which will drop to 150 Mbit/s in reception and 50 Mbit/s in transmission, in 4G. And, unlike what was offered not so long ago with fixed 4G/5G boxes, there is no data cap: like its competitors, the new Freebox offers an unlimited connection in volume, exactly like fiber or ADSL boxes
The Freebox 5G has three Ethernet sockets and a USB port for extended connectivity, and it can connect up to a maximum of 108 devices (computers, phones, tablets, TVs, connected objects, etc.) simultaneously. Another good point: the subscription gives access to the OQEE by Free application, which allows you to benefit from 230 TV channels, replay services, OQEE Ciné, 100 hours of recording and live monitoring. On Smart TV, computer, tablet and smartphone.
5G Free Box: a really attractive price
The Freebox 5G is extremely simple to install. For its first 5G box, Free emphasizes the simplicity of installation and use of its 5G Box. The ISP announces delivery in 2 or 3 working days. There is no need for installation work or an appointment with a technician. Equipped with a pre-installed Free SIM card, it works as soon as it is plugged in and the Wi-Fi connection is made quickly using a QR Code, without having to enter a security key. The Free application then allows you to manage your subscription and access your Subscriber Area. Note that Free covers your termination costs, if you come from a competitor, up to 50 euros.
The new Internet box is offered at 29.99 euros per month for the first year, before increasing to 39.99 euros per month thereafter. It is exactly the same price as that of the Freebox Pop. It is also one of the cheapest on the market. This price will allow it to easily compete with the 5G box offers from SFR – at 39.99 euros per month –, from Bouygues Telecom – from 40.99 euros per month – and from Orange – at 42.99 euros per month. –, which all have lower theoretical flow rates.
Note that the subscription is compatible with the advantages of Free Family, with up to 4 Free 5G Packages at 9.99 euros per month for one year, then 15.99 euros per month – instead of 19.99 euros – with Unlimited 5G/4G Internet in mainland France, or a free €2 package – instead of €2 per month. The Free Proxi local assistance service is also included for eligible subscribers.
Please note, to benefit from the Freebox 5G, you must be in an area where the operator’s 5G is deployed and where access to optical fiber is impossible. To carry out an eligibility test, go to the Free coverage map and click on “Box 5G”. Then simply enter the address in the search bar to find out if it is affected.