Communiqué de presse - Mobile Networks

Frequencies

Frequency assignments for professional mobile radio applications: Arcep updates the assignment rules and procedures for the 2.6 GHz TDD band and extends its trial window using the 3.8-4.0 GHz band by a year


Arcep continues to work on satisfying the mobile connectivity needs of “verticals” (manufacturers, logisticians, companies from the energy, health and smart city sectors…) that may want to use a private 4G/5G network to provide new services and/or improve their operational performance.

Clarification of the rules and procedures for assigning the 2.6 GHz TDD band, simplifying the licence application process for professional needs and extending them to overseas territories

Following the public consultation held from 24 June to 31 July 2024, Arcep adopted a revised version of the rules and procedures for assigning the 2.6 GHz TDD band for ultrafast mobile networks for professional needs, which had originally been defined on 9 May 2019.

The main purpose of the changes is to:

  • provide clarification on the boundaries of the areas covered by the frequency licences;
  • extend the assignment mechanism to several overseas departments and territories: Réunion, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guiana, Saint Martin, Saint Barthelemy and Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

These changes came as the result of feedback from stakeholders, particularly those that use the 2.6 GHz TDD band to satisfy their connectivity needs for professional applications. They also factor in the digitalisation of the license application process that Arcep put into place (online portal opened in March 2022), and changes to Arcep’s rights as the entity responsible for assigning 2.6 GHz TDD band frequencies (amendments to the national frequency allocation table made in March 2024).

It should be noted that players wanting to conduct technical trials are still able to request authorisations to use frequencies in the 2.6 GHz TDD band.

5G trial window for professional applications extended by a year

In March 2022, Arcep opened a trial window using the 3.8 – 4.0 GHz band for manufacturers and enterprises wanting to test new 5G use cases. The aim was to enable industry players to appropriate 5G technologies and for public sector entities to craft the regulatory framework tailored to those needs.

Arcep has issued 139 trial licences since March 2022 as part of its trial window using the 3.8 – 4.0 GHz band. Among the trials conducted thanks to those licenses, 75 will still be ongoing on 1 January 2025.

Arcep’s assessment of this trial window is a positive one, with an array of players represented, covering a variety of economic sectors (including manufacturing, energy and special events) and this in multiple regions across mainland France. The details of these trials can be found in the 5G trial dashboard on the Arcep website.

Arcep has observed an ongoing steady demand from stakeholders to test 5G use cases using 3.8 – 4.0 GHz band spectrum. Which is why the Authority is extending this trial window for another year, up to 31 December 2025. The trial window’s assignment rules and procedure remain unchanged.

Associated documents