Speed, advantages, price, how to benefit: launch of widespread ‘5G+’ for public in France

Telecommunications company Orange will begin a major rollout of 5G+ connectivity to many existing customers free of charge, ushering in a new era of high-speed mobile connection. 

The company said it would invest in 5G+ (sometimes known as 5G ‘SA’, Stand Alone) infrastructure across the country. In time the network may be opened for use for the wider general public. 

Rival Free was the first to introduce 5G+ connections for eligible customers. 

Initially, the rollout of 5G+ will take place in urban areas, where there are more users and it is easier to install antennas, before expanding to rural areas. 

What are the advantages of the network? 

Unlike the previous iteration of the technology (5G), which upgraded existing infrastructure to have better capabilities, 5G+ uses dedicated towers and is a stand alone network. 

This means the network is faster, and can handle more intensive tasks (streaming, gaming etc) easier on mobile devices.

The dedicated infrastructure means more devices will be able to use the network without it becoming overburdened – up to one million devices per square kilometre. 

This will improve usability in dense population areas, train stations, airports, shopping centres etc.

It also provides greater stability for devices on the network, even during usage peaks. 

Although smartphones are the devices most set to benefit, other devices including ‘smart’ home goods (voice assistant, automatic sensors and light/heating controls) and automatic vehicles will see improvements.

One thing of which to be aware is that the network may lead to greater consumption of smartphone data due to how quick connections are, so users may need to be careful about how much data they use not to exceed contract limits. 

Installing 5G+ is expensive, not only as the dedicated technology requires its own towers, but to keep the network working they must be placed closer together (no more than 400m apart in cities).

Read more: 3G, 4G, 5G: Is France set to end unlimited internet usage contracts?

How much will it cost and who can get it?

As mentioned, Free customers already have access to the company’s 5G+ network if on an applicable contract / device. 

Orange customers will be able to access the new network if they have a 5G contract taken out in or after May 2023 (contracts with affiliate ‘Sosh’ are not included). 

To do so, they must log onto their personal space through the website, go to this page, and click ‘Ajouter l’option 5G+ gratuite’ (the button may not appear if you are not eligible).

Alternatively, if you do not yet have a 5G contract with either Free or Orange you can switch to one.

Mobile contracts in France vary, with some offering connection to 5G infrastructure, however cheaper contracts that can only connect to the older 4G are also available. 

Read more: French mobile operators vie for clients - what deals are available?

Other major telecom providers in France may eventually follow by bringing out 5G+ compatible contracts.

Note that not all smartphones are currently compatible with 5G+. Most notably Apple ‘iPhone’ devices cannot connect. 

Check with your contract provider if your phone will be compatible with the rollout.