The operator Orange is discreetly launching a new box, the Livebox 7. It offers compatibility with XGS-PON technology for increased download and upload speeds for eligible customers. We take stock.
Without fanfare, Orange has just announced the release of a new Fiber box, the Livebox 7. The operator did not organize a press conference or event for the occasion and informed of the arrival of the box with a simple press release. This choice is probably due to minimal changes between the current Livebox 6 and its successor. It’s quite simple: placed next to the Livebox 6, the 7 could be its twin sister, or almost.
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We thus find the square design all in black designed so that the box is placed vertically. The touch screen on the front is also there, as are the sides in a “mesh” finish giving the impression of a textile material. The Livebox 7 is, however, a little taller and a little heavier than its predecessor. Overall, it will not clash with your decoration if you have already successfully integrated the Livebox 6. In reality, there is two notable differences between the two boxes, but they are not obvious.
What’s new in Orange Livebox 7?
The main advantage of the Livebox 7 is that it is compatible with the XGS-PON technology. As a reminder, this is the latest development as of the optical fiber to visibly improve flow rates. The latter allows here to exceed the maximum download rate of 2 Gbps of the previous generation. With Livebox 7, customers can claim a maximum download rate of 5 Gbps and of 1 Gbits/s upstream. Compared to model 6, the gains are therefore 3 Gbits/s and 200 Mbits/s respectively.
For holders of a professional Orange subscriptionthese theoretical flow rates go to 8 Gbps going down and 2 Gbps climbing. Remember that in either case it is only possible if you are eligible for XGS-PON, still not very widespread in the territory. Operators are gradually deploying the technology and SFR currently covers approximately 40% of municipalities For example. A figure that Orange wants to reach in 2024.
In terms of connectivity, the Livebox 7 offers 4 1 Gbps ports And a 10 Gbps port. The second novelty of this box is that it is the first at Orange to receive “Footprint Progress” certification from Bureau Veritas. The case has in fact been designed with a “100% recycled and recyclable” shell and the device is also “easily repairable”. Just like the Livebox 6, it integrates a standby configurable for reduce your energy consumption.
Is switching to Orange Livebox 7 worth it?
Currently, for individuals, only the offer Livebox Max Fiber allows you to get the Livebox 7. It will cost you €39.99/month for 6 months then €57.99/month, with a one-year commitment. Like the previous generation, the box offers Wi-Fi 6E. The subscription comes with 3 Wi-Fi repeaters to the maximum and “Wi-Fi Serenity” assistance. On request, you can add “Airbox 20 GB”, “very high speed mobile internet”, and the Orange security suite.
On the SFR side, the equivalent offer is the SFR Premium Fiber For €35.99/month for one year then €46.99/month. There too by committing for a year. The theoretical speeds are better, however: 8 Gbits/s and 1 Gbits/s. Same at Bouygues Telecom with its subscription Bbox ultym + fiber has €32.99/month for one year then €50.99/month. Except that here, you have to pay a debit+ option at €5/month to benefit from XGS-PON speeds, also at 8 Gbits/s and 1 Gbits/s.
Assuming that you are eligible, there are several questions to ask yourself before choosing your offer. The first one, do you really need such speeds ? If so, you will rather go to SFR or Bouygues, cheaper and more efficient on paper. The second question is to know which options will be most useful to you. Each operator adds something to their subscription: streaming service, cybersecurity solution, privileged assistance, online storage, Wi-Fi repeaters… Study all of this carefully to select the most suitable offer, even if it means paying more.