Orange France announced the launch of a new version of its Livebox router, highlighting its eco-friendly credentials. The Livebox 5 will be available with the operator’s Livebox Up broadband packages and Open Up quad-play bundles. It will provide a maximum download speed of up to 2 Gbps (up to 600 Mbps upload), double what the Livebox 4 currently supports. Among its main features, ‘Smart WiFi’ enables the router to reduce interference caused by neighbouring Wi-Fi signals to ensure an improved speed performance.
Coinciding with the launch, Orange has also revamped its Livebox Up and Open Up offerings, with new pricing and benefits going live on 10 October. The operator has increased subscription prices by EUR 2/month. As a result, the standard cost of the Livebox Up package will rise to EUR 49.99/month for FTTH-based connections. Similarly, the lower-tier option in the Open Up quad-play range will increase to EUR 52.99/month for customers covered by the Orange fibre network. In both cases, a discounted price applies during the first year of the subscription.
The refreshed plans will provide a more generous call allowance, with the inclusion of unlimited minutes towards mobile numbers in Europe (in addition to networks in France, US and Canada). Additionally, Orange will extend the availability of a second TV box to customers on DSL connections. This benefit, previously restricted to FTTH lines, will be dependent on a sufficient DSL speed. With these plans, the operator will also include its Wi-Fi booster at no extra charge (previously offered at the discounted price of EUR 1).
Compared to the Livebox 4, the new version of the router is manufactured with a plastic casing made entirely of recycled material. This has enabled a 29 percent reduction in the carbon footprint of the new Livebox. The use of less plastic has also been made possible by fewer cables and by removing the requirement for a separate ONT unit in FTTH installations.
