Orange is gearing up to make a significant impact in the internet box market with the upcoming launch of two new Livebox models, scheduled for April 10, 2025. This strategic move comes as the telecommunications giant aims to strengthen its fiber offerings amidst increasing competition from rivals like Free and Bouygues Telecom, both of which have already introduced Wi-Fi 7 compatible internet boxes boasting impressive speeds.
According to sources from MacGeneration, the star of this update will undoubtedly be the second-generation Livebox 7, which will feature the latest Wi-Fi 7 standard. This advancement positions Orange as the third operator to offer such cutting-edge technology, joining the ranks of Free with its Freebox Ultra and Bouygues Telecom with its Bbox.
In a bid to remain competitive, Orange plans to make the Livebox 7 accessible not only to its premium offerings—Livebox Up and Livebox Max—but also to enhance the performance of its entire range. The Livebox Up is expected to see its symmetrical speeds soar to an impressive 8 Gbit/s, a significant upgrade from the previous 2 Gbit/s download and 800 Mbps upload speeds. This upgrade will allow Orange to better compete against offerings from B&You and its Pure Fibre plan.
For users with less demanding needs, Orange will introduce the Livebox S, which will replace the existing Livebox 5 in mid-range offers. The Livebox S will be compatible with Wi-Fi 6, marking a notable improvement over the older Wi-Fi 5 standard. The design of the Livebox S is expected to resemble Orange's older Wi-Fi repeaters, featuring a small screen on the front.
As part of this overhaul, the Just Livebox series, priced at 19.99 euros per month for the first six months (then 33.99 euros), will also see its speeds adjusted. The symmetrical speed for this entry-level offer will increase from 400 Mbps to 1 Gbit/s for downloads and 700 Mbps for uploads. This adjustment aligns the offer more closely with Sosh's Box, which has been offering similar speeds since early February.
In addition to these enhancements, Orange is also set to update the interface of the small touch screen integrated into the Livebox 6 and 7 models. Starting April 2, 2025, the new interface aims to provide clearer information regarding the status of various functions, with icons now accompanied by descriptive text such as "Eco Mode," "Internet," and "Wi-Fi." This update will simplify the connection process for new devices by replacing the previous '+' button with a message that reads "Pair a Device." Furthermore, for professional customers, managing SIM cards in rescue mode will become easier with the introduction of a scannable QR code on the screen.
Despite these updates, the design of the new Livebox models will not undergo a significant overhaul. The Livebox 7 is expected to maintain a similar aesthetic to its predecessor, with only minor adjustments. The focus remains firmly on enhancing performance rather than redesigning the appearance.
While the Livebox 6 and Livebox 7 will be phased out from Orange's offerings, the new Livebox S will feature a small touch screen, ensuring that new customers will still benefit from user-friendly interfaces. Notably, there will not be a new TV box model introduced alongside these changes, as Orange had previously unveiled the Décodeur TV 6 in 2024.
In summary, Orange's upcoming launch of the Livebox 7 and Livebox S represents a strategic effort to bolster its competitive edge in the fiber internet market. With impressive speed upgrades and the integration of the latest Wi-Fi technology, Orange aims to not only retain its existing customer base but also attract new subscribers looking for high-performance internet solutions. As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Orange to see how these new offerings will reshape the market.
