In what looks to be a multi billion dollar auction process the French regulator has opened up the bidding for 4G access. 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz frequencies are up for sale in an attempt to bring LTE services to France. Active MNOs expected to bid are Bouygues Telecom, Orange France and Société Française de Radiotéléphone (SFR). Free.fr are also a likely bidder and bids from MVNOs just like in previous 3G auctions may happen.
Press release - ARCEP - 15th June 2011
The Prime Minister has assigned digital dividend spectrum in the 800 MHz frequency band and spectrum in the 2.6 GHz band to mobile services, with a view to deploying ultra high-speed mobile (4G) networks.
On 31st May 2011, ARCEP adopted decisions containing proposals to the Minister responsible for electronic communications on the terms and methods to be used for these spectrum allocations. It is based on these proposals that calls for applications for spectrum awards in these two frequencies were issued through an order from the Minister responsible for Industry, and published in the Journal officiel today.
The deadline set for submitting applications to ARCEP are: 12 p.m. on 15th September 2011 for the 2.6 GHz band, and 12 p.m. on 15th December 2011 for the 800 MHz band. The Authority will be allocating 2.6 GHz-band spectrum in autumn 2011 and 800 MHz-band spectrum in early 2012.
Coming to complete the national optical fibre rollout programme, the deployment of fourth-generation cellular networks will enable the entire population to gain ultra high-speed access to the mobile Internet.
Wednesday 15 June 2011
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