Orange is attacking customers ineligible for optical fiber with a satellite offer, which promises a download speed of 200 Mbit/s maximum, and 15 Mbit/s upload. It is the result of a partnership with NordNet, one of the benchmarks in the sector.
We are in 2023 and satellite is popular again. Eclipsed by the arrival of broadband and very high bandwidth, satellite has become fashionable again thanks to Elon Musk and his Starlink constellation, which succeeded in making “spatial Internet” cool.
If people eligible for optical fiber have no interest in it (this solution is faster, more stable and more economical), satellite is today one of the best alternatives for people who cannot. ‘to have. On the other hand, ADSL is close to being abandoned, while 4G is often too saturated and limited for domestic use.
A market in which Orange intends to position itself further. Since November 16, the historic operator has offered its customers in mainland France a new offer called “Satellite Orange”. In fact, the telecoms heavyweight is making a notable return to the world of satellite dishes via a partnership with NordNet, an operator particularly known for its satellite offers.
How much does the Orange Satellite offer cost?
On its site, in addition to Fiber and ADSL offers, Orange now highlights several alternative offers. A 5G router, a 4G router and a satellite dish share a tab, for people who live in white areas — that is, without any Internet coverage.
The Orange Satellite offer, with NordNet, is sold at the price of 49.99 euros per month. It’s expensive, but it’s comparable to what Starlink offers. Orange promises download speeds of up to 200 Mbit/s and uplink speeds of up to 15 Mbit/s, in addition to unlimited calls for landlines. Of course, satellite requires, the connection may vary greatly depending on many factors. It is unlikely that the Orange Satellite really offers 200 Mbit/s permanently… or that its latency is compatible with certain activities.
In addition to 49.99 euros per month, count 8 euros per month more to rent the parable (we can also buy it for 299 euros). To have it installed by a professional, count on 299 euros. Finally, there is a 50 euro subscription fee. In some cases, the government offers aid of 300 euros to obtain the kit for free.
In total, over one year (with the rental option), the Satellite Orange offer will cost 745 euros. This is much more than a Livebox Fiber offer (500 Mbit/s), which would cost a little more than 400 euros over the same duration.
Do we have the same services as with other Orange offers?
A priori no. There is no Livebox (but probably a NordNet modem), no Orange box (but a box to have the 26 DTT channels) and no Orange services. The Orange Satellite offer looks more like a NordNet offer sold under a white label than an adaptation of Livebox packages to satellite. It’s a shame, we would like to be able to enjoy the same channels as with fiber or ADSL.
Can you play online with the Orange Satellite?
As is often the case with satellite offers, this risks being annoying. In some cases, latency may be an issue — especially if you need to be very responsive. Networked video gaming is still not adapted to satellite, even at Starlink and its low-orbit constellation.
Is Satellite Orange a good deal?
With its new satellite offering, Orange is not really becoming a competitor to Starlink. Nothing in the Satellite offer really comes from it, since Orange simply offers NordNet services to its customers. What interest ? This allows NordNet to be marketed in Orange points of sale and Orange to respect its commitments towards white zones, but the offer is not really attractive.
If you receive 4G at home, the 4G Home offers are undoubtedly better plans. Otherwise, Satellite Orange may be interesting, but it is no more interesting than existing offers from competitors.
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