One might say there has been something of a revolution when it comes to internet technology over the last decade or so. Both 5G and fibre internet are pretty much at the core of this revolution. They both mean much faster communication as well as better data transmission.
We all use the internet of course. Knowing you have a good fast connection when going to France either for a visit or to your second home is a key consideration for many. So how is the current roll out of 5G+ going in France?
France was slow to start with broadband. Around 15 years ago many smaller villages and rural communes only had ADSL. Gradually however the country has caught up.
The installation of 5G mobile internet coverage across France began in November 2020. The French government estimated then that by 2030 the whole of the country would be covered. This will mean hugely increased internet speeds. However, the new 5G+ technology is even faster and is being rolled out as we speak.
The new 5G+ network will provide you with ultra-fast internet
What is the difference between 5G and 5G+?
5G is a broad term that refers to the fifth generation of mobile networks, designed to provide faster speeds, lower delays, and better connectivity than previous generations. However, not all 5G networks are built the same way. Many early 5G rollouts used existing 4G infrastructure with some upgrades, meaning that while speeds improved, the full potential of 5G wasn’t always reached.
5G+ isn’t as widely available as standard 5G yet, but where it is deployed, users can expect a much stronger and more reliable connection
5G+ (also called high-band 5G or mmWave 5G, depending on the provider) represents a more advanced version of the network. Instead of relying on modified 4G infrastructure, 5G+ uses dedicated, high-frequency radio waves and specially built towers. This allows for significantly faster speeds, better performance in crowded places, and near-instant response times.
The key advantage of 5G+ is its ability to handle a large number of devices at once, making it particularly useful in busy areas like city centers, airports, train stations, and shopping malls. Because of its specialized infrastructure, 5G+ isn’t as widely available as standard 5G yet, but where it is deployed, users can expect a much stronger and more reliable connection.
How will the 5G+ service roll out?
Orange are at the centre of the roll out and will start offering a 5G+ service to their existing customers during the course of this year. Free has already started introducing 5G+ connections. The plan is to serve main towns and cities ahead of expanding to rural parts of the country.
Who are the main internet providers in France?
There are four main internet providers: Free, Bouygues Telecom, SFR and Orange. Each of them operates their own telephone and internet infrastructures and also budget brands such as Sosh from Orange and RED from SFR. These are well worth looking into if you are planning to use your telephone frequently in France. Orange is probably the most popular provider for British expats since they are not only the largest company but also offer an English-speaking helpline.
The French rollout of fiber is almost complete
Do most communities in France benefit from the fibre optic network?
The government committed to providing fibre optic internet to everyone in France by the end of 2022. It is not only very fast but it also gives you high-definition TV and it is generally far more reliable than ADSL. In reality, most places do now have fibre optic but there are still a few isolated rural areas which do not since the Covid outbreak put the works on hold. However, by 2030 practically everywhere should have it.
Is there anything I should be wary of in terms of cost and availability?
There may be additional costs associated with using a greater amount of data since the connections are going to be far quicker. Thus it is important to note how much data you have in your contract and not overdo it unnecessarily. You can find the best deal on Selectra, an English-speaking price comparison website. It is always worth discussing your requirements on a regular basis with your internet provider. Since there is a fair bit of competition amongst providers, you should be able to achieve an excellent deal.
It is always worth discussing your requirements on a regular basis with your internet provider
Note that some mobile telephones may just not be compatible with this service but compare notes with other providers if you need to change your device. France is no different from the UK in that aspect: they will all want your business!
How can I find out if and when I can get the 5G+ service?
Existing Free customers should already be able to access the 5G+ network on their devices if there is a mast nearby. Orange customers who already have a 5G contract taken out any time from May 2023 will also be able to access the network. (Note this does not apply to the Orange “Sosh” budget scheme).
Other internet providers will doubtless follow suit in the coming months.
It is always worth keeping a close eye on your contract and making sure you are on the best scheme for your individual needs. Checking with your internet provider on a regular basis does pay dividends in France.
Fast internet is covering a growing part of the country
Are there any problems associated with the roll out of 5G+?
The rollout of 5G+ has been slower than initially expected, mainly due to the complexities of building the necessary infrastructure. Unlike standard 5G, which often works by upgrading existing 4G networks, 5G+ requires entirely new high-frequency antennas and a much denser network of towers. This comes with several challenges.
Building a widespread 5G+ network is expensive. The high-frequency signals used in 5G+ do not travel as far as lower-frequency signals, meaning more antennas and base stations are needed, particularly in cities. Expanding coverage to rural areas is even more difficult due to the vast distances and lower population density, making investment less financially attractive for network providers.
Although there is no scientific evidence linking 5G technology to health risks, some members of the public have expressed concerns over increased radiation exposure from the additional antennas. This has led to protests and regulatory debates in some regions, slowing down deployment. Environmental concerns have also been raised regarding energy consumption, as a denser network requires more power to operate efficiently.
Installing new infrastructure in densely populated areas often requires government approval and cooperation from local authorities. The permitting process, legal challenges, and public opposition have contributed to delays in some parts of France and other European countries.
Despite these challenges, France has been one of the most proactive countries in rolling out 5G and 5G+ over the past decade. While coverage in some remote areas remains inconsistent, the long-term goal is to extend full 5G+ availability nationwide by the end of the decade.
