After the strong increases last winter, the price of Boxes has finally become more reasonable again. At least that’s what our price barometer finds this month. But we distinguish two very distinct pricing policies: One-year promotions with prices that can double the following year, or fixed prices. How to choose?
The case of one-year promotions
Hyper-competitive call prices in the first year: this is Bouygues Telecom’s strategy with its iconic Bbox Fit, its Bbox Must and its Bbox Ultym. It’s also that of Free with its Freebox Pop and Ultra. And how can you resist these attractive prices?
The Bbox Fit remains THE reference for Really cheap entry-level boxes, and the operator has been keen to offer the lowest price on the market for many years. And at €19.99/month, it’s a winning bet, especially when we know that the average price of an Internet subscription is around thirty euros. But at almost €33 the following year, knowing that the formula does not include a decoder or access to television… it stings a little!
It’s a little less violent on the Freebox Pop and Ultra side: firstly because the increase between year 1 and year 2 is compressed to exactly 10€ in both cases. Then because:
- with the Freebox Pop, despite the end of the months of free streaming offered as a welcome, we remain at the head of a magnificent TV bouquet and Free SVoD (OQEE Ciné),
- while all the most famous platforms remain included with the Freebox Ultra, reasonably justifying a long-term price of almost €60 per month.
What do you think of fixed price Boxes?
With fixed-price boxes, at first glance you might think it’s more expensive, but you avoid prices that double after a year, and especially the constraint of having to start looking for a new, cheaper offer and paying cancellation/activation fees. This way of doing things may suit a student who moves every year, but aim for the long term when you’re settled, it’s still more practical!
This is therefore the choice made Free with its entry-level: the Freebox Revolution Light at €29.99/month, well B&You with its special Livebox series at the same price.
It is also the choice of RED by SFR and Sosh for their dual-play offers at €24.99 and €25.99 respectively.
We take out the calculator
In fact, decision-making will probably be less about price thandepending on use and long-term commitment or not. In a nutshell: do you want to change ISP in a year? If the answer is yes, head to the promotional prices. You can thus offer you the Freebox Pop at the price of its little sister. If the answer is no, prefer the RED Box, faster and cheaper than “La Boîte” from Sosh, and also cheaper than the Bbox Fit which comes to 26.50/month over two years.
