Free Mobile Plans Now Cost More Without Box Subscription in France

Starting October 2024, Free mobile plans will cost up to €6 more per month if you don't have a Free Box. This is a change from previous pricing.
By Newsroom | Telecommunications, France |

FREE is adjusting its mobile offerings, with certain discounts on 5G+ plans now tied to owning their Box or 5G Box subscription. This move effectively creates a tiered system for mobile subscribers, where loyalty to the broader Free ecosystem unlocks deeper price reductions.

The core of this shift lies in how discounts are applied to the 5G+ Forfait. Customers currently holding the "0€/mois" offer will see their discounts capped at either €10/mois or €4/mois, depending on which is more beneficial. These reductions are limited to a maximum of four 5G+ plans per account.

The fine print reveals a clear incentive for long-term commitment: losing these mobile discounts is a direct consequence of terminating or disconnecting from the primary Freebox or 5G Box service. Similarly, detaching a 5G+ Forfait from a multi-line account will also nullify the applied reductions.

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Adding to the integrated service appeal, the eSIM Watch option is now included at no extra activation cost for both the 5G+ Forfait and the Série Free plans. This appears to be a move to bundle wearable technology with their core mobile services.

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Further recommendations from Free suggest customers retain their SIM card support materials, indicating a pragmatic approach to potential future SIM format changes or technical issues. This underscores the company's emphasis on the user's ongoing engagement with their SIM-based services.

BACKGROUND: ECOSYSTEM STRATEGY

This strategic recalibration by Free appears to align with a broader trend in the telecommunications sector: fostering customer loyalty through bundled services and interconnected offers. By linking mobile plan discounts to the acquisition of their internet box services, Free aims to strengthen its hold on the customer base, making it less likely for users to switch providers for either mobile or internet services. The inclusion of features like the eSIM Watch option serves to enhance the perceived value of the overall Free package, moving beyond basic connectivity. The emphasis on retaining SIM card support also speaks to a desire for seamless user experience within their established infrastructure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are Free mobile plans changing their prices from October 2024?
Free is changing how discounts are applied to its 5G+ mobile plans. Discounts are now linked to having a Free Box or 5G Box subscription. Customers without a box may pay more.
Q: How much more will Free mobile plans cost if I don't have a Free Box?
If you don't have a Free Box, your discount on the 5G+ plan will be limited. The maximum discount is either €10/month or €4/month, meaning your plan could cost up to €6 more per month.
Q: Who is affected by Free's new mobile plan rules starting October 2024?
Customers who have Free's 5G+ mobile plans are affected. If you have the '0€/mois' offer without a Free Box, your price will change. The change also affects those who cancel their box service.
Q: What happens if I cancel my Free Box subscription?
If you cancel your Free Box or 5G Box service, you will lose the special mobile discounts on your 5G+ Forfait plans. This means your mobile plan will cost more starting from that point.
Q: Is the eSIM Watch option still included with Free mobile plans?
Yes, the eSIM Watch option is now included at no extra activation cost for both the 5G+ Forfait and Série Free plans. This is an added benefit for subscribers.