France Will Redistribute the 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz Band Spectrum

Arcep, a French telecommunications regulator, recently launched a public consultation on the frequency auction conditions for the 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands.

Arcep plans to redistribute the three bands of spectrum over ten years. The 900MHz and 1800MHz bands that were previously licensed to Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom in 2006 and 2009 will expire in 2021 and 2024, and the 2100MHz band will expire in 2021-2022. Arecp will redistribute the 900MHz and 1800MHz bands to ensure that all operators have equal spectrum holdings. At present, the frequency spectrum holdings of the three old operators are more than double that of the new operator Free Mobile. Arcep plans to close its consulting activities in mid-May and launch the authorization process in June.