"True 5G", also known as 5G SA or 5G+, is reaching an important milestone in France. Orange has announced the expansion of access to 5G+ to the general public with two new offers. The historic operator has become the first operator to launch a 5G+ offer for the general public with dedicated bandwidth in France, but it is not really the first to offer a 5G+ option. In fact, Free Mobile had already its rivals by activating its 5G SA network last September.
Orange's surprise: the 5G+ option is free
The battle is raging between operators and Orange wants to stand out, especially after activating 5G+ for professionals and businesses. The 5G+ option is free for all customers with compatible smartphones, but it is reserved for Orange customers with a plan sold at from May 2023. Sosh subscribers, even if they have a compatible device, are not eligible.
Orange's decision is interesting, because many expected a more expensive 5G+ offer. The operator is taking the opportunity to launch a new "Special Series 180 GB 5G+" plan which allows you to benefit from the advantages of 5G+ (see below) and dedicated bandwidth. Without commitment, this plan at 41 euros per month includes:
- Unlimited calls, SMS and MMS in mainland France.
- 180 GB in France and + 100 GB in Europe, DOM, Switzerland and Andorra
- A dedicated bandwidth "to guarantee quality of service and continuity entertainment uses even in the event of a heavily used 5G network"
- 6 months included of Netflix Standard with advertising, then €5.99/month
- 12 months free of ChatGPT Plus, then €23/month
The 180 GB 5G+ Special Series benefits from the Cheat Code discount (€25/month) dedicated to new customers aged between 18 and 26, equipped with a 5G+ compatible mobile.
What does 5G+ change?
With With the activation of 5G+, customers benefit from higher speeds by connecting to the "largest network deployed on the 3.5 GHz frequency band". This option also guarantees a more responsive network with reduced network latency and the promise of consistent quality. Voice is now moving to 5G with VONR (Voice over New Radio) as is data.
Finally, 5G+ improves security by integrating encryption of the SIM card identification data.
How to benefit from it?
If you are an Orange customer with a 5G offer, simply go to your customer area to benefit from the 5G+ network for free. You must also have a smartphone compatible with 5G SA and the list is still very limited. Currently, there are only 11 compatible models:
- Samsung Galaxy S25
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy S24
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Xiaomi 14
- Xiaomi 14T
- Xiaomi 14T Pro
- Xiaomi 13T Pro
- Honor Magic 7 Pro
iPhones are logically absent from this first list and will have to wait for Apple to offer an update. The operator assures that its list "will grow rapidly in the coming weeks".
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