The UFC has come up towards the operators, which it accuses of intentionally hiding info across the deployment of 5G. According to her, the maps supplied on their respective websites are complicated, whereas the shortage of information on the frequencies used is turned to their benefit. The affiliation put Bouygues Telecom, Free and SFR on discover.
That’s it, the network of the future formally arrived in France. Since Free joined the dance, all operators now provide 5G packages. The alternative for the UFC-Que Choisir to analyze the communication of the latter and denounce their practices, which it judges intentionally confused. “Behind the generic time period 5G hides very contrasting realities in relation to the totally different frequencies used. “, she explains. “Indeed, if the new 3.5 GHz mobile frequency is able to offer speeds very significantly higher than those of 4G, it is not the same for the other frequencies used or in the process of being used, namely the frequencies 700 MHz and 2100 MHz“.
The affiliation is even going extra much less by declaring that the speeds provided by the operators “Do not justify not […] the purchase of often more expensive 5G subscriptions, nor the dedicated purchase of 5G compatible smartphones ”. Faced with this observation, the UFC-Que Choisir deplores ARCEP’s decision to publish only simple recommendations, instead of putting in place measures legally obliging operators to offer more transparent communication. After studying the coverage maps disseminated by the latter, the organization considers that its fears have been justified and points the finger at “Specious advertising”.
UFC-Que Choisir denounces operator confusion
SFR is the primary to be focused. After saying the list of 120 cities in France covered by in December 2020, the operator uploaded a card to say the least imprecise. “Given the phrases used, shoppers uninformed concerning the intricacies of 5G will in no approach know […] which differentiates the areas coated on the three.5 GHz or 2100 MHz band “, declares the UFC-Que Choisir. It additionally specifies that the latter frequency permits 5 occasions much less vital than the primary. As a reminder, these flows are subsequently considerably shut to these of 4G.
The state of affairs is hardly higher on the facet of Bouygues Telecom. On his map, the excellence made between 3.5 GHz frequencies and decrease frequencies is removed from clear, decide the UFC-Que Choisir. “Bouygues Telecom adopts a practice aimed at suggesting that there is an equivalence of quality between the two frequencies, by attributing the same qualifier of” High bands “to them“. In addition, the affiliation considers that the operator doesn’t disclose no exact info to shoppers permitting them to perceive that the velocity distinction is probably going to be minimal.
Only the Orange card appears to respect the prerogatives by way of info. Indeed, the operator has promised speeds 3 to 4 times faster than 4G, which it obtains utilizing solely 3.5 GHz frequencies, it suffices to present the areas coated with out specifying the speeds granted. However, the UFC-Que Choisir remembers that these units solely make it doable to receive a most circulate of 1.6Gbit / s, towards the introduced 2.1 Gbit / s. Whether it’s a lack of readability or false promoting, the group is accountable for reviewing its communication.
As for Free, the UFC-Que Choisir claims that integration of 5G packages without price increase is defined by its resolution to use 7 frequencies00 MHz, “Which offers the lowest 5G speeds and equivalent to those hitherto provided in 4G”. Although 96% of branches of the operator are set to this frequency, it doesn’t disclose any info on this topic and even boasts of the velocity of its community, though it’s a lot much less optimum than that of its opponents.
Bouygues Telecom, Free and SFR placed on formal discover
After its edifying investigation, the affiliation determined to launch a judiciary course of towards three of the operators. It thus signifies to put in default ” Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile and SFR to modify the presentation of their coverage maps, to visibly show the differences in the quality of 5G depending on the frequency used ”. As for Orange, she asks him ” to present all of the technical particulars supporting its communication on the theoretical most velocity in areas the place the operator operates solely the three.5 GHz frequency ”.
Finally, UFC-Que Choisir has approached ARCEP and Cédric O, Secretary of State for the digital transition and digital communications, in order that the latter “Work without delay on the development of regulations governing operator communication on 5G to guarantee consumers reliable, understandable and relevant information”. So let’s hope that his press launch helped some to see a little extra clearly about the true guarantees of 5G.
Source: UFC-What to Choose
