On 27 July 2021 launched a public consultation on the rules that would allow for the coexistence, in Metropolitan France, of :
- 5G networks in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band;
- and fixed satellite service earth stations in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band.
The chief aim of this public consultation is to address any potentially harmful interference that 5G mobile networks – which are currently being deployed in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band – are likely to cause for fixed satellite service earth stations operating in the 3.8 – 4.2 GHz band.
Obligations to comply with transmit power levels
To prevent such harmful interference, Arcep decisions dated 12 November 2020, authorising mobile operators to use the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band, specify these operators’ obligations to take the necessary measures to comply with set transmit power levels, and stipulate that the conditions allowing for the coexistence of 5G networks in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band and fixed satellite service earth stations in the 3.4 – 4.2 GHz band are likely to change over time.
Clarifying the conditions allowing for coexistence
The purpose of this public consultation is to clarify the conditions that will allow for coexistence, as much in terms of the technical conditions required as their location and duration. The proposed text is careful to distinguish between existing stations and those that might be deployed in future, and to factor in the restriction levels on 5G network deployments that may vary depending on the stations and their location.
Stakeholders are invited to send their contributions to Arcep by 29 October 2021.