Free Mobile casse encore le marché : le forfait Free Max va-t-il tout changer ?

Free has recently launched a new premium mobile plan called Freemax, priced at €29.99 per month for non-Freebox subscribers and €19.99 per month for Freebox subscribers, allowing up to four plans per account. This announcement was highly anticipated, as Free had been teasing a mobile revolution for March 31, 2026. This is a significant move for the operator, as it marks the first launch of a new high-end plan since Free's initial market entry. Unlike previous updates, Free is not adding new features to its existing historic plan, which remains unchanged. The Freemax offer is an upgraded version of Free's previous services, with the main improvements focusing on internet data rather than additional streaming or music services, which some might find disappointing. The core change lies in the data allowance. The classic Free plan offers 350 GB in France (or unlimited data for Freebox subscribers) and 35 GB for international use across 117 countries. While 35 GB is generous, it can be quickly consumed during extended trips abroad. With the Freemax plan, Free introduces truly unlimited internet in France, even for non-Freebox subscribers. While the average data consumption in France is around 20-30 GB, making 350 GB already more than sufficient for most, the unlimited international data is a game-changer. It upgrades the international allowance from 35 GB to unlimited in 137 countries. This is particularly impactful when considering the high cost of data in many other countries, such as Belgium, Switzerland, the United States, or Canada, where limited data plans can easily exceed €50 or even €100 per month. Free's unlimited international data for €29 per month could significantly disrupt the market, potentially impacting companies that sell local SIM cards with limited data for travelers. The plan allows for full unlimited usage, including tethering for laptops and sharing data with others, which is described as "magic." Another key enhancement in the Freemax plan is the expansion of covered countries from 117 to 137. This includes popular destinations like Morocco, Japan, Laos, and Mauritius, which were previously absent from the classic Free plan but available through competitors. In summary, Freemax offers unlimited internet in France and in 137 countries. A unique bonus, not offered by competitors, is the ability to use the plan normally—making calls and sending messages—in over 60 of these countries. This contrasts with some competitor travel plans, like Orange, where even receiving calls abroad can incur extra charges. While Free's new offer is revolutionary in terms of unlimited international data, it's important to consider the practical implications. The plan is unmatched globally, offering true unlimited internet that many countries envy. It will likely appeal to cross-border commuters and French citizens living abroad. However, competitors like Sosh, Bouygues Telecom, and Red by SFR also offer competitive travel plans, typically priced between €20 and €25 per month, covering the same countries, including Japan and Morocco. The key difference remains Free's truly unlimited data versus the 35-40 GB offered by others. For individuals who frequently travel to specific destinations and consume a lot of data, such as a Franco-Moroccan visiting family in Morocco, the unlimited plan offers unparalleled peace of mind. Despite the excitement, it is advised not to rush into switching plans. For most travelers, 35 GB of international data is usually sufficient. Therefore, it might be more reasonable to stick with the classic Free plan, which is €10 cheaper, and only upgrade to Freemax if there's a specific and significant need for unlimited data in particular countries like Morocco, Japan, or Mauritius. Switching between the two plans is possible, and upgrading is free. The introduction of Freemax also raises questions about Free's long-standing promise of never increasing plan prices, as this new offer is essentially a higher-priced option. While the classic plan's price hasn't changed, the exclusion of new countries from the classic plan suggests a potential shift. It leads to speculation about whether future innovations, such as new services or 6G, will be exclusive to Freemax, leaving the classic plan without new features. Regarding other rumored innovations, such as Starlink integration or a 5G connection device, Free clarified that these are not a real need in France due to the widespread availability of high-quality 4G, 5G, and fiber optic networks. The Freemax offer is currently reserved for metropolitan France, but it is expected to be extended to the Caribbean if it proves successful. In conclusion, while Free hasn't revolutionized the mobile market in the same way it did in 2012, the Freemax plan is a significant market disruptor, especially for frequent travelers. Its promise of truly unlimited international data is expected to challenge other operators, who currently offer only limited data travel plans.