Paris, 16 June 2017
The 2.1 GHz band is the band that has been used historically by French mobile operators' 3G networks. This frequency band was allocated for the first time in 2001 and enabled the development of high-speed mobile networks in the mid-2000s.
Companies Bouygues Telecom and SFR each requested that the terms of their 2.1 GHz frequency licences be amended to allow them to use the band to deploy 4G services.
On 13 June Arcep adopted the decisions granting the two companies' requests, and applying the principle of technological neutrality provided by the regulatory framework to the 2.1 GHz band.
Bouygues Telecom and SFR are now authorised to deploy 4G networks in this band, alongside their 3G networks. This will enable them to improve 4G speeds.
Free Mobile and Orange have the option of submitting a similar request to Arcep, should they so desire.
Linked documents
Available only in French
• Decision No. 2017 0734 (Bouygues Telecom) (pdf - 314KB)
• Decision No. 2017 0735 (SFR) (pdf - 317KB)
• Spectrum allocation chart (pdf - 347KB)