SFR introduced 4G launch on 28 November in Lyon In late September, the operator SFR has launched its dual-carrier network offers speeds up to 42 Mbps. Much faster than the current 3G, but it is a small number and the player 4G technophiles advocated for months, and will be activated in Lyon on 28 November. Existing mobile networks differ in several categories: GSM, ie second generation mobile network to make calls and send text messages, EDGE network, providing the ability to connect to the Internet, Slowly, however, 3G and 3G + to improve this feature speeds allow watching video or downloading large files, and finally, the dual operator, along with its 42 Mbps (H + or 21 Mbps), gives surfing fast three times. 4G (or LTE) goes further, climbing up to a speed of 100 MB per second, faster than many WiFi connections! See below speedtest performed by SFR SIM 4G: in fact, the response time is halved compared to the dual operator and the speed of the download (download) 70 Mbps must still take into account that these results occur in optimal conditions, with good network coverage and very few devices connected to the same antenna. There will always be a boundary between flow theory and practical use, which is obviously true for 3G! What tool for 4G? First, more fluid applications: to see the speed of loading images, for example, you go to Google Maps and Street View to play with. Loading and moving images through the streets is very fast, like downloading applications from the store (application Google Play 35 MB can be downloaded in about three seconds before our eyes 4G). Besides the ability to send heavy attachments and download content quickly, almost three purposes prohibited in 3G, and we were able to test, should be allowed in 4G. TV goes HD Since the launch of 3G, TV options are widely put forward by operators hexagonal, without offering optimum performance. Situation changed with the dual operator, who can not find work (almost) as fluid as on TV. However, HD dual operator remains too large to flow generally lower than 42 Mbps advertised. 4G, which allows them to pass images 2,5-4,5 Mbps, ie displaying heavy 720p HD audio formats, and even better, Dolby 5,1 looming in the distance. Actually available to the user partners SFR TV channels in HD if they offer this type of program, and "Club video card" (VoD) is not yet available for mobile, but suitable for future smartphones and tablets. Paid SFR improve encoding video streams its partners to leave in SD or HD formats compatible with mobile devices through the purchase of more machines performance. Talk package, because it is there that the user's interests: TV consumes data, limit 2, 4 or 6 GB in SFR packages. Operator is an average of 1 hour to 1:30 each month per active user (which connects at least once a month), or in the case of the highly anticipated events (sporting events, presidential debates ...), or in waiting situations. If we consider the viewing of HD video, the calculation is fast: it takes about 4 GB for 2h 2h30 video. Fortunately for Android users, it is possible to choose what format viewing programs (HQ in the same period represent about 1,2 GB). IPhone promises again, through the adapter system owner to opt for the highest definition possible, depending on the captured network, SFR add function to activate / deactivate HD, not so consumed too quickly packages, 4G, likely to melt like snow in the sun. For what we have seen, is a great TV experience (in optimum conditions, remember): very good fluidity is hardly disturbed by the slight slowdown, but never cut images. So, ready to watch TV wherever you are? Videophone back on the fashion? The flagship feature marked with the advent of 4G is none other than video phone, modern time, but ignored by the advent of smart phones and applications, including Skype or FaceTime, which is used primarily in WiFi. Here, flows are sufficient to show between 10 and 15 frames per second, against 7 to 10 frames per second 3G. In fact, the flow is better: Depending on the camera and the quality of the network, where the user is, the picture is quite fluid, obviously not as much as if it were a movie, the number of frames per second is not high enough, but enough to be really usable in everyday life. We tested two different applications: Skype is so widespread, the application does not match the flow captured by the terminal function proposed Tango, a good idea to avoid the effect of freeze frame encountered with Skype. SFR, in turn, does not execute the application dedicated to video calling home for now. Another nice feature for mobile gamers on tablets or smartphones, cloud gaming service SFR. This will allow customers to find games with graphics driven by mobility, with multiplayer modes quite nicely. Deployment dropper 4G starts this fall, but do not have to count on rapid generalization. For now, the network is tested with 400 Lyon equipped with compatible smartphones, in addition to employees playing SFR beta testers. November 28 was chosen on the day of the official launch of 4G in Lyon, the first capital of the hexagonal and fitted quickly followed by Montpellier and other cities, no operator is still red square explained his schedule. To take advantage of 4G smartphone, you will still get your hands Portfolio subscriptions are compatible except gold and platinum packages Square (from 39.99 € per month without moving for 2 GB of data and € 69.99 for 6 GB Internet) now compatible with dual-carrier network. These packages will also be compatible with 4G for new customers and for mobile users already subscribed. If they have a compatible handset, they will receive a notification inviting them to make an update on their smartphone / tablet to take advantage of 4G antennas after activation of their city (it is done day-carrier with dual antennas already installed). Note that deployment begins primarily in the more populated areas, but SFR its ambition to cover the maximum population in the shortest possible time, without having to wait five years are required by law to keep their legal obligations. A word of terminals available you will find several compatible smartphones and tablets (less than one-tenth to start), including Samsung Galaxy S III, HTC One XL, Motorola RAZR HD, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10,1 and key 4G. It remains to wait for a reaction to competitors SFR, Orange and Bouygues currently very quiet on 4G.