All of the current frequency licences issued to mobile operators in Metropolitan France have expiry dates ranging from 2030 to 2035 (1). The reassignment of those frequencies is of strategic import for the sector, particularly in terms of investment in the networks, competition, regional digital development, and innovation. Which is why Arcep has been engaged in a process of reflection, which began in late 2025 with the public consultation on the “Issues surrounding future mobile frequency assignments in Metropolitan France,” 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.
Today, Arcep is opening a second public consultation to prepare for future mobile frequency assignments in Metropolitan France
This public consultation details the current status of frequency bands that have been used up to now for the operation of public mobile networks. It also sets outs the procedures and conditions the Authority has established to date for the reassignment of frequencies already being used by mobile networks. Stakeholders’ feedback is being requested on the following:
the timetable for the reassignment of frequencies that are currently being used, decorrelated from the timetable for the assignment of new frequency bands;
a two-stage (2) reassignment scenario to satisfy a request for clarity from the sector’s stakeholders, and to facilitate the adoption of a cohesive approach to the reassignment of the spectrum in question;
the conditions governing the reassignment of the frequencies up to 2035, under the two-stage scenario. These conditions include carrying over existing obligations, and introducing new ones.
The proposed obligations and assignment rules include regional mobile coverage and connectivity requirements.
Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments to Arcep before 23 September 2026.
Associated documents:
(1) : Excluding licences to use frequencies in the 3.5 GHz band, which include a five-year extension up to 2040, provided the licence-holder agrees and under the conditions set out in the licence.
(2) : The two steps would be a conditional reassignment up to a common date, so that all current frequency licences that are set to expire between 2030 and 2035 (800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2.1 GHz and 2.6 GHz band) would expire on that same date, followed by spectrum assignments through a competitive selection procedure.