Communiqué de presse - Mobile Networks

Frequencies

Arcep launches two public consultations on the 2.6 GHz TDD band for superfast private mobile radio networks

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The two public consultations launched today pertain, respectively, to the review of the assignment rules and procedures and the review of the Decision on the technical terms and conditions of use for frequencies in the 2.6 GHz TDD band, awarded for the establishment of superfast private mobile radio (PMR) networks.

The rules and procedures for the assignment of 2.6 GHz TDD band frequencies extended to the overseas territories, and a simplified licence application process for professional needs

The main purpose of the draft review of the assignment rules and procedures for the band’s frequencies being submitted to public consultation is to:

  • extend the assignment mechanism, which is currently confined to Metropolitan France, to the overseas territories of Réunion, Mayotte, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guiana, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon;
  • provide clarification on the boundaries of the areas covered by the frequency licences;
  • adapt the assignment procedure for the 2.6 GHz TDD band to the new fully digitalised format of online licence applications.

A change to the Decision on the terms and conditions of use for the 2500-2690 MHz band to factor in the development of 5G technology in the 2.6 GHz TDD sub-band

The second public consultation concerns a draft amendment to Decision No. 2011-0597, setting the terms and conditions of use for radio frequencies for terrestrial systems to provide electronic communications services in the 2500-2690 MHz band. As concerns the 2.6 GHz TDD band and the development outlook for 5G in this band, Arcep plans on adapting the technical terms and conditions that govern its use it by amending Decision No. 2011‑0597.

The draft reviews being published for public consultation are in line with Arcep’s ongoing actions to promote innovative professional mobile applications

Arcep plans on continuing its endeavour to satisfy the mobile connectivity needs of “verticals” (health, smart cities, universities, logisticians, R&D labs…) that may want to use the performances offered by 5G and other frequency technologies to deliver new services and/or improve their operational performance.

The draft reviews being published today for public consultation draw in particular on stakeholder feedback and the actions deployed over the past several years.

  • Creation of a trial window to deploy pilot PMR networks in the 2.6 GHz TDD, 3.8-4.0 and 26 GHz band, respectively, which can be viewed on the 5G trial dashboard.
  • The 2.6 GHz TDD band frequency assignment window, for the establishment of private mobile radio networks in Metropolitan France, according to rules and procedures set forth in a document published on 9 May 2019. Since then, around 45 geographical locations have been authorised to use frequencies in the band, in the energy, transportation, logistics and manufacturing sectors. In a bid to simplify the process for accessing frequencies, in March 2022 Arcep opened up access to an online portal to render the frequency licence application procedure fully digitalised. This also gives PMR network stakeholders the ability to view maps of available and already assigned frequency resources.
  • A change to the national table of frequency allocations made in March 2024 expanded Arcep’s ability to award licences to use frequencies in the 2.6 GHz TDD band to include the following overseas departments and territories: Réunion, Mayotte, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guiana, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

The deadline for receiving contributions is 31 July 2024.

Associated documents:

Documents published for public consultation :

Other useful documents: