Free is creating an event at the end of the year with the announcement of a surprise planned for Tuesday, December 3. The operator, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary, had initially mentioned something new for November during its communities day, but ultimately decided to postpone the launch by a few days.
Finally a major announcement?
Xavier Niel’s operator published an enigmatic video on social networks this Sunday, December 1, something unusual for a weekend. The clip features the characteristic curves of what appears to be a Freebox Ultra, with the words “we’re rolling out the red carpet for it”. The video ends with the words “limited edition”, suggesting an exclusive version of the high-end box launched in January 2024.
This announcement could mark a turning point in the history of French internet boxes. According to Freebox universe who is an expert on the issue, it would not be a new classic commercial offer but rather a special variation of the Freebox Ultra, possibly in a new red color. This would be a first on the French telecoms market, as no operator has yet offered boxes in different colors.
The Freebox Ultra, the first Wi-Fi 7 box in France, could thus be adorned with new trappings as the competition prepares to retaliate. Indeed, Bouygues Telecom is preparing its new BBox Ultym and Orange is developing its next Livebox expected for 2025.
However, it seems that it is on the commercial proposition that Free has the biggest battle to fight. If the operator is very competitive on mobile, this is not the case in landline where it is lagging behind: Bouygues recently launched a fiber box at €24/month, a UFO when we know that at Free it you have to pay €40 per month to obtain an equivalent.
We roll out the red carpet for him.
See you on December 3 ⏳ pic.twitter.com/fVeUo6ZgNU— Free (@free) December 1, 2024
The operator voluntarily maintains mystery regarding the details of this limited edition. Several questions remain unanswered: will it be accessible to existing subscribers as well as new customers? Will it offer exclusive services? Will the new TV box promised for several months be part of the announcement? Response this Tuesday, December 3, during a presentation which could well be Free’s last surprise for 2024. This announcement will punctuate a year full of news for Xavier Niel’s operator: Freebox Ultra, Free Family, huge data leak personal…. and who knows what the year 2025 has in store.
