The second part of the process of allocation of frequencies to be used as support to future 4 G networks comes to an end with the issuance of authorizations to diffusion byArcep, the telecom regulatory authority.
After a first step which had allowed to assign the spectrum available in the 2.6 GHz band, and for which four operators had obtained lots, it was the turn of the resources of the 800 MHz band, from the digital dividend, subject to an auction.
It has exceeded expectations, generating € 2.6 billion, which brought all of the allocation to EUR 3.6 billion, above the expectations of EUR 2.4 billion initially expected by the Government.
December 22, 2011, Arcep unveiled the names of candidates pleased for the 800 MHz band, more interesting by its properties than the previous. If three historic operators have spent hundreds of millions of euros - and more than EUR 1 billion for SFR wins two blocks-, the new incoming Free Mobile was removed from the allocation, although his file has been validated.
It will, however, invoke the time 4 G with the SFR operator roaming agreement, while remaining able to operate own a 4 G network on the 2.6 GHz band. Arcep welcomed the culmination of a lengthy procedure and difficult, but for which the operators have taken commitments to the MVNO, both on the home on the land-use planning. As noted by Arcep:
"The issuance of these permissions marks the culmination of the procedures for the 4 G licensing conducted by the authority in the year 2011, first in the 2.6 GHz band, then in the 800 MHz band" These procedures have allowed four operators of existing mobile networks (Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, Orange France, SFR) to acquire to deploy very high-speed mobile networks. It now belongs to the operators to initiate the deployment of these networks of new generation that will, over the next years, improve performance and quality of mobile services available to users throughout the territory. "
The first French LTE networks should begin in 2013. It will be interesting to observe adopted strategies, in particular in the case of Free Mobile which has made the choice to not directly rely on the 800 MHz band (even though there will be access), perhaps to focus on other elements (femtocells?).
The bet can be risky as the next allocation of frequencies mobile, always rare and expensive, could not intervene before a good ten years.
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