As the fifth generation of cellular networks, 5G has been touted as a game-changer in the field of mobile telecommunications. With its promise of significantly faster speeds, 5G is set to revolutionize the way we communicate and enjoy entertainment on our smartphones. As we celebrate its third anniversary, let’s delve into five intriguing facts about 5G that you may not be aware of.
1. Launch Date and Evolution:
The official launch of 5G in France dates back to November 20, 2020. Building on the legacy of 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, 5G brings a substantial boost in speed and capacity to meet the ever-increasing demands of modern users. It surpasses its predecessorsproviding enhanced download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and improved network performance, enabling seamless connectivity even in densely populated areas.
2. SFR Leads the Way:
SFR, a prominent French telecommunications operator, took the initiative to introduce 5G in the country. Following its successful deployments of 3G and 4G networks, SFR continued its streaklaunching the ultra-fast network in France. Nice became the first “smart city” to be covered5G on November 20, 2020. Since then, the coverage has rapidly expanded, with over 300 cities now enjoying the benefits of 5G from SFR.
3. Samsung’s Groundbreaking Smartphone:
Before its official deployment in France, the rollout of 5G began in South Korea in 2019. Samsung, a leading smartphone manufacturer, showcased the world’s first 5G-enabled smartphone, the Galaxy S10. Initially limited to high-end devices, 5G compatibility gradually became commonplace, even in the entry-level segment, as smartphones supporting the new network flooded the market.
4. Extensive Coverage Across France:
Currently, SFR’s 5G network covers more than 7,700 municipalities in France. The “32 largest metropolitan areas” including Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille enjoy the best 5G experience, thanks to SFR’s deployment of the 3.5 GHz frequency band, which provides a theoretical maximum download speed exceeding 1 Gbps. In total, France now boasts 44,292 commercially opened 5G sites, with the rollout ongoing across the country.
5. Growing User Base:
The number of active 5G SIM cards continues to surge in France, reaching 10.4 million in the second quarter of 2023. This represents 13% of the country’s mobile subscribers. As the 5G infrastructure expands, more and more users are embracing the new standard, prompting operators to offer a wide range of 5G-specific plans to cater to diverse needs and budgets.
Are you ready to unlock the potential of the ultra-fast network? SFR provides various 5G plans tailored to different requirements:
– 100 GB 5G Plan: €15.99/month (for 6 months, then €30.99/month) or €10.99/month (for 6 months, then €25.99/month for SFR box customers). No contract.
– 200 GB 5G Plan: €34.99/month or €14.99/month for new and existing SFR box customers. No contract.
– 210 GB 5G Plan: €31.99/month (for 6 months, then €44.99/month) or €23.99/month (for 6 months, then €36.99/month for SFR box customers). 24-month contract.
– 240 GB 5G Plan: €64.99/month or €49.99/month for SFR box customers. 24-month contract.
Experience the future of connectivity with SFR’s comprehensive range of 5G offerings tailored to suit every need.