We explain how to access the new mobile telephony standard, while operators are gradually opening their network to the general public.
5G smartphones were out but the activation of networks was still missing to make them work. This is done with the gradual opening of operator services to the general public in France at the end of 2020. In particular that of SFR, which opens the ball. This does not solve everything. Because you have to meet several conditions to benefit from it. You will have to ask you three questions.
Is your smartphone 5G compatible?
The first requirement is to be well equipped. Is your smartphone 5G compatible? The list of products available on the market is growing and now extends to all ranges. Please note, your operator must also have been authorized to make a software update by the manufacturer of your device for it to receive 5G.
Does your plan include 5G?
No need to change SIM card. You must, however, upgrade your mobile plan. But if you are traveling outside of France, it’s a safe bet that your package will not work in 5G, as long as your operator has not finalized roaming agreements with its foreign counterparts. Some operators have already presented their 5G offers. They are generous in data but more expensive than 4G.
Is your territory covered in 5G?
Are you located in an eligible area for 5G? To find out, consult your mobile operator’s coverage map. Arcep will also put a 5G observatory online.
Arcep has chosen the date of November 18 to authorize Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, Orange and SFR * to use the frequencies in the 3.5 GHz band obtained at auction this fall. It is this which will ensure the maximum coverage, while waiting for millimeter waves by 2022 which will make it possible to increase speeds.
Operators will try to start by opening up to the general public the 5G antennas that have so far been broadcasting on an experimental basis. This only concerns a small part of the territory and mainly large cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Nantes or Lille. But the elected officials of these metropolises are reluctant to see 5G deployed in these territories. It is therefore likely that operators will delay until they get their agreement.
However, operators will be able to use frequency bands previously used for 4G. This is particularly the case with 700 MHz for Free Mobile or 1800 and 2100 for Bouygues Telecom, Orange and SFR. In this case, the areas covered could be much larger.
Mobile coverage will therefore remain the blocking point for the adoption of 5G. Until it gets extended a bit, users will rightly hesitate to switch to it.
* 01net.com is published by a subsidiary of NextRadioTV, itself owned by SFR Médias