ARCEP makes it possible for frequency bands that were originally assigned to 2G in French overseas markets to be used for 3G.

Paris, 27 January 2011

From 28 July to 30 September 2010, ARCEP held a public consultation on a document concerning the reuse of the 900 MHz frequency band by third generation (3G) mobile networks, and the future spectrum requirements of the French overseas départements and territories.

Today, the Authority is publishing a summary of the contributions received to this public consultations, along with the guidelines to emerge as a result.

ARCEP received seven responses to the public consultation, which have helped to confirm the soundness of the suggested scheme to govern reuse of the 900 MHz band for UMTS. The Authority has established guidelines that define the framework for processing requests for frequency licences, as well as requests for changes to existing licences coming from mobile operators in the overseas markets.

This framework includes the ability to use the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands for UMTS, along with specific terms applying to their reuse that have been tailored to the particular situation in each département or collectivity. It will help further the development and improvement of high-speed mobile services in a way that is beneficial to users in those overseas markets.

On the matter of assigning new frequency bands to mobile and ultra high-speed mobile services in the overseas territories, work on the issue could begin in 2012 depending on the requests made by stakeholders. The terms set for allocating the 800 MHz band will take into consideration the state of competition in the overseas départements and territories.