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Proximus, first Belgian operator to launch Wi-Fi 6E

Published on 24/06/2024 in Be the first to know 

Proximus is the first Belgian operator to launch Wi-Fi 6E. This cutting-edge technology will be integrated into the new Internet Box+, and will initially enable Ultra Fiber customers to benefit from even faster, more powerful Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi 6E represents a major step forward with the addition of a third frequency band.

Proximus, first Belgian operator to launch Wi-Fi 6E

What is Wi-Fi 6E?

Wi-Fi 6E is an extension of the Wi-Fi 6 standard currently in use. The main difference between these two technologies lies in the frequency bands used. While Wi-Fi 6 operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, Wi-Fi 6E introduces the use of a 6 GHz frequency band, in addition to the previous two.

The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands are already heavily used, so this new 6 GHz frequency band enhances performance by offering a wider spectrum. By so doing, they reduce congestion and interference, especially in environments where many devices are connected simultaneously.

Today, most homes are filled with connected devices. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, gaming consoles, household appliances, home automation devices, etc: the list has been growing steadily over the past few years.

  • Up to now, all these devices have connected on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Due to the limited number of available channels and to congestion, connection speed and reliability are likely to decrease at some point, especially when several devices use bandwidth intensively.
  • With Wi-Fi 6E, different devices are automatically redirected to the most appropriate frequency band according to their compatibility, type of use, proximity to the Internet Box+ and any Wi-Fi Boosters+, and real-time network conditions. Each device benefits from a stable, fast connection, without interference or congestion, even when they're all running at the same time.

The advantages of Wi-Fi 6E

Thanks to the capacity of the new 6 GHz frequency band, you benefit from many advantages:

  • Exceptional speeds and ultra-low latency: enjoy faster Wi-Fi and lower latency when multiple devices are connected simultaneously.
  • Ultra-reliable connection: less interference from other devices and networks.
  • Optimum security: enjoy a network that's always secure thanks to WPA3-Personal-Transition encryption, ensuring compatibility with both new WPA3 devices and older WPA2 devices.

Why Proximus chooses Wi-Fi 6E?

At Proximus, we are committed to offering our customers the latest technological advances. In 2023, we were the first to launch our Internet Box+ and Wi-Fi Booster+ with 10 Gbps technology. The launch of Wi-Fi 6E in these two devices is part of Proximus' commitment to providing the best fixed and mobile Internet experience. With Wi-Fi 6E, you'll enjoy the best performance, whether for teleworking, digital entertainment or distance learning, among others.

Towards gradual roll-out

Ultra Fiber customers will be the first to benefit from this Wi-Fi 6E from July, subject to certain conditions detailed hereafter. Other Ultra Fiber customers and Giga Fiber customers, who also have an Internet Box+, will follow progressively in the coming months.

Frequently asked questions

Ultra Fiber customers will be the first to benefit from Wi-Fi 6E on the night of July 1st to 2nd, provided:

  • they have a Flex Ultra Fiber pack installed before 23/06/2024 end of day;
  • be equipped with an Internet Box+ and possibly Wi-Fi Booster(s)+;
  • they have activated the identical configuration on all frequency bands as well as WPA3-Personal-Transition via Proximus+ (see procedure below);
  • and not to cut their Internet Box+ and Wi-Fi Booster(s)+ between 23/06/2024 and 02/07/2024.

Ultra Fiber customers not eligible at this time and Giga Fiber customers will follow gradually over the coming months.

Please note, however, that to experience the performance of Wi-Fi 6E, you need a PC, Smartphone or Tablet compatible with this technology.

Open the Proximus+ app and go to « MyProximus » > « Products » > « Internet Maxi Fiber » > « Advanced Internet Settings » > « Internet Box+ Settings » :

  • For identical configuration, make sure that the "Identical configuration on all frequency bands" option is activated (green).
  • For WPA3-Personal-Transition, click on the little pencil and in the "Security Protocol" drop-down menu, select "WPA3-Personal-Transition", then click OK to confirm your choice.

Identical configuration on all frequency bands means that all access points (or routers) in a Wi-Fi network use the same network name (SSID), password and security protocol. To make the most of Wi-Fi 6E, this identical configuration must be activated, as it enables devices to switch automatically between the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands depending on network congestion and signal range, thus ensuring optimum connection.

WPA3-Personal-Transition is a Wi-Fi security mode that enables a network to operate with two levels of security at the same time: the old (WPA2) and the new (WPA3). This means that new devices, which can use the more secure WPA3 protocol, will actually do so. At the same time, older devices, which can only use WPA2, will still be able to connect. Basically, it helps networks to gradually switch to WPA3 without disconnecting older devices.

Some devices may experience problems with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E technology. Follow our advice to solve this problem.

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