RED by SFR: what is SFR's low-cost operator worth?

RED by SFR is the “non-binding” subsidiary of the operator in the red square. It is distinguished by its unique offer that can be adjusted according to its needs. Here is our opinion on RED.

Who is RED by SFR?

Appearing for the first time in 2011, RED by SFR is a range of very popular mobile plans (and internet box). Available without obligation, it distinguishes itself from its competitors by a unique offer, but flexible at will. In 2015, with the acquisition of Virgin Mobile and Numericable by Altice, the RED by SFR formula was reinvented and benefited from a new visual identity. Former Virgin Mobile customers with commitment are then repatriated to SFR offers, while those accustomed to non-commitment switch to the RED offer.Do you want a phone equipped with a plan with commitment? You will then have to turn to SFR. Conversely, if you prefer not to commit, RED by SFR is the right candidate. However, it is possible to acquire a smartphone with your plan, but you will not benefit from a significant subsidy from the operator. Some phones still have a small discount.

Mobile, fiber and ADSL offers from Red by SFR

If the RED by SFR offer previously had a single offer on the mobile side, it has largely evolved over time to offer more varied mobile plans in parallel with the arrival of 5G. In general, the operator offers between 2 and 3 packages with envelopes ranging from 1 to 200 GB, some special operations can even go up to 300 GB, all in 4G or 5G. Once you have chosen your basic plan, you can select the options to add. These are not mandatory, but may have interesting features for some users. The most important option is the so-called “International” option which allows you to take advantage of 30 GB of internet data in the USA, Switzerland, the EU, the French overseas departments and Canada. An interesting addition for users accustomed to traveling abroad and which can be terminated or renewed each month, depending on travel.

Note that it is also possible to take out a subscription with a mobile, often with preferential prices and trade-in bonuses, even on high-end smartphones.

On the fiber and ADSL side, the offers compete directly with other low-cost operators such as B&You at Bouygues Télécom or Sosh at Orange. For generally less than 20 euros per month, you get a fiber or ADSL line with up to 500 Mb/s for downloading and uploading, which is already 200 Mb/s more than at Sosh and 100 Mb/s for more than at Bouygues Télécom with its Bbox Fit. Then after a year of subscription, the price of the offer rises to 28.99 euros per month.

The strength of RED’s Internet offer is its versatility. It is for example possible to switch to a Wifi 6 router and go up to 1 Gb/s in downloading and sending for a few extra euros per month or to obtain a TV decoder and the addition of 100 TV channels in addition to the basic offer (the 35 DTT channels). Fixed telephony is not left out either with basic unlimited calls to landlines but also to mobiles, the latter is generally offered.

The quality of the SFR network in 4G and 5G from RED by SFR

Paying less for your package is good. But still it is necessary that it is not to the detriment of the quality of the service. Although they are separate brands, RED by SFR customers have the same network of antennas as SFR customers, as well as the same customer support (with all the same a priority for SFR customers).The SFR network covers more than 99% in 4G according to ARCEP. It is therefore difficult not to be covered by a RED by SFR package. Regarding 5G, it is much more concentrated around large cities, but the operator has a large number of 3.5 GHz sites (which are considered to be real 5G) with more than 4000 antennas, just behind Orange and its more than 4,500 branches. RED by SFR being a non-binding offer, nothing prevents you from canceling if you notice that the network coverage in your home is poor.