Orange surprises by deploying an important update for its old Livebox 4 and 5, integrating an energy-saving feature. This initiative, inspired by the Livebox 6, could have notable repercussions on the operator’s carbon footprint, even if it won’t revolutionize your electricity bill. Discover how this update could influence the energy consumption of equipped households.
The 3 key facts not to miss
- Orange has updated its Livebox 4 and 5 to include an energy-saving feature.
- The update allows the 5 GHz band to be disabled when not in use, reducing consumption by about 25 to 30%.
- The operator hopes to reduce its annual CO2 emissions by 1,500 tons thanks to this innovation.
More energy-efficient Liveboxes
Orange recently updated its Livebox 4 and 5 models, introduced in 2016 and 2019 respectively, to integrate an energy-saving function inspired by the Livebox 6. This innovation aims to reduce the electrical consumption of the boxes by disabling the 5 GHz band when it is not needed. Thus, during the night, only the 2.4 GHz band remains active, allowing substantial energy savings.
Although this saving is not immediately noticeable on the electricity bill, it represents a step towards reducing Orange’s overall carbon footprint. Indeed, the operator hopes to save about 1,500 tons of CO2 equivalent per year, corresponding to the annual emissions of 150 French people.
A gradual deployment
According to information from MacGeneration, about 50% of eligible customers have already received this update. However, it is not available for all users. Those using a Wi-Fi repeater or an old wireless TV decoder will not benefit from this option, as these devices often require the 5 GHz band to function properly.
To take advantage of this feature, users must ensure they have installed the firmware G06.R05.C03_16 with the “Wi-Fi energy-saving mode” activated. If a user prefers to maintain constant access to the 5 GHz band, it is possible to disable the option from the Livebox administration interface.
How to manage this new feature
The activation of this feature can be verified and controlled via the Livebox administration interface, accessible at the address “https://mon-reseau-local.orange.fr/” or via the “Orange et moi” application. Thus, each user has the possibility to customize the management of their energy consumption according to their specific needs.
Orange and its Liveboxes: a history of innovation
Since its launch, Orange has constantly sought to improve its Liveboxes to offer ever more efficient solutions adapted to the needs of its users. Introduced in 2004, the Livebox has evolved over the years with improvements in speed, security, and features. The Livebox 6, released in 2022, marked a turning point with the introduction of advanced features such as Wi-Fi 6 and energy-saving options, now partially available on previous models thanks to this update.
By integrating these innovations into older versions, Orange demonstrates a willingness to extend the lifespan of its equipment while contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint, a commitment that could inspire other players in the telecommunications sector.