Communiqué de presse - Mobile Networks

Frequencies

Arcep launches a public consultation to prepare for future radio frequency assignments to mobile operators in Metropolitan France

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All of the current frequency licences issued to mobile operators in Metropolitan France have expiry dates ranging from 2030 to 2035. The reassignment of those frequencies carries strategic consequences for the sector, particularly in terms of investment in the networks, competition, regional digital development, and innovation. Which is why Arcep has already begun a process of reflection to ensure that the terms and conditions governing the reassignment of these frequencies can be established far enough in advance of the expiration of existing licences, and provide the sector with clarity.

Arcep is launching a public consultation today to prepare for future mobile frequency assignments in Metropolitan France

The authorisations awarded for the use of public mobile terrestrial networks in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz bands have expiry dates ranging from 2030 to 2035[1]. Added to which, new frequency bands, notably the 3410 – 3490 MHz, 1.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands, could be allocated to the operation of mobile networks in the short or medium term.

The public consultation delivers a status report on all of the aforementioned frequency bands. In particular, Arcep provides clarity on the future of the 3410 – 3490 MHz band, and on the reorganisation of the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band following the public consultation held from 23 July 2024 to 4 November 2024.

The public consultation being launched today also details the issues that Arcep has identified regarding the reassignment of frequencies whose licences are set to expire in terms of regulatory objectives. In particular: safeguarding fair and effective competition between operators, regional digital development, environmental protection, and efficient spectrum management.

Arcep is also using this consultation to query the sector’s stakeholders on how new technologies are affecting the market and mobile network operation, especially mobile satellite connectivity via Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, 6G, artificial intelligence, network automation, and the growing integration of mobile and Wi-Fi networks.

The public consultation being launched today follows through on the work that Arcep has been doing for several years on the future of mobile networks, including:

  • The public consultation held from 23 May 2022 to 23 September 2022 on “Preparing for the future of mobile networks”;
  • The work carried out as part of Arcep’s “Future networks” cycle of inquiry, notably the publication of briefing notes on ICT and artificial intelligence in electronic communications networks, along with the “Choose your tech” brief;
  • The public consultation held from 23 July 2024 to 4 November 2024 on the assignment of frequencies in the 3410 – 3490 MHz band;
  • A study on the “Evolution of wireless network use and scaling” whose findings were published on 29 September 2025 on the Arcep website.

Stakeholders are invited to submit their contribution to Arcep before 15 December 2025.

Associated documents:

 

[1] Authorisations to use frequencies in the 3.5 GHz band provide for a five-year extension up to 2040, potentially subject to certain conditions.