Frequencies – French Overseas Markets

Procedure and conditions for assigning frequencies in the 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands in Guiana, in Guadeloupe, in Martinique, in Saint Barthélemy, in Saint Martin, in Réunion and in Mayotte, and in the 900 MHz band in Guiana, in Saint Barthélemy, in Saint Martin and in Mayotte

Some of the frequency licences held by operators in the overseas departments and territories in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands are set to expire on 30 April 2025.

1. Assignment objectives

The Government has informed the regulator of the goals that must underpin the specifications for the assignment of frequencies in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands in the abovementioned territories:

• Regional development: Guarantee of a minimum level of coverage for mobile telecommunications services by operators in each of the territories in questions; increased mobile coverage on-board vehicles on roadways classified 1 and 2[1] in Mayotte and in Saint Martin; and the coverage of priority areas identified by local authorities;
• Competition: safeguarding and stimulating competition in these markets.

The award procedure and planned obligations contained in the draft documents being published today for consultation satisfy these objectives set by the Government.

2. Assignment rules and procedures

2.1 In the 900 MHz band in Guiana, in Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin and Mayotte

The draft procedures being published for consultation today for the assignment of 900 MHz band frequencies in the territories of Guiana, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin and Mayotte are being proposed for the following quantities of spectrum, which will become available and ready to use on 1 May 2025:

• 23.4 MHz pair of frequencies in Guiana;
• 21 MHz pair of frequencies in Saint Martin;
• 20 MHz pair of frequencies in Saint Barthélemy;
• 35 MHz pair of frequencies in Mayotte.

The purpose of this procedure is to determine the winning candidates, the amount of spectrum each one is awarded, and their specific frequency position. Every winning candidate will be subject to a set of obligations.

In each of the territories in question, Arcep is proposing a “frequency portfolio” mechanism for their assignment, which is described in section 2.1.1.). The proposed selection mechanism is based on financial bids.

2.1.1 General principle: assignment of frequency portfolios

At the outcome of the principal auction phase set out below in sections 2.1.3 and 2.1.4, every winning candidate will be assigned a portfolio of frequencies which defines the quantity of frequencies within the 900 MHz band that they could be assigned as of 1 May 2025, keeping in mind existing assignments in this band, upon publication of the list of qualified candidates.

The quantity of frequencies that will actually be assigned, beyond 1 May 2025, to each winning candidate via this procedure is thus less than or equal to the quantity of 900 MHz band frequencies contained in the obtained portfolio, minus the amount of spectrum that the winning candidate already holds in this band as of publication of the list of qualified candidates.

A qualified candidate may be assigned a quantity of frequencies via this procedure that is strictly below the quantity allowed by the portfolio they obtained if there is not enough spectrum in the 900 MHz band to fill all of the portfolios.

2.1.2 Determination of the size of the portfolios

The size of the frequency portfolio that a qualified candidate is likely to obtain in the 900 MHz band depends on the number of qualified candidates.

In Saint-Martin and in Saint Barthélemy, where only 2x25 MHz are available to use, in the case where the number of qualified candidates is equal to or more than four, each winning candidate in each of the territories will be assigned one of the four following portfolios (expressed in MHz pairs):

Table 1 - Frequency portfolios in Saint-Martin and in Saint-Barthélemy (4 winning candidates)

In the case where the number of qualified candidates is strictly fewer than four, each winning candidate in will be assigned one of the three following portfolios (expressed in MHz pairs):

Table 2 - Frequency portfolios in Saint-Martin and in Saint-Barthélemy (3 winning candidates)

In Guiana and in Mayotte, where 2x 35 MHz are available to use, in the case where the number of qualified candidates is equal to or more than four, each winning candidate in each of the territories will be assigned one of the four following portfolios (expressed in MHz pairs):

Table 3 - Frequency portfolios in Guiana and Mayotte (4 winning candidates)

In the case where the number of qualified candidates is strictly fewer than four, each winning candidate will be assigned one of the three following portfolios (expressed in MHz pairs):

Table 4 - Frequency portfolios in Guiana and Mayotte (3 winning candidates)

Additionally, each portfolio is assigned an order of priority, by ascending number, which corresponds to the winning candidates’ order of review at the outcome of the principal auction, in the case where there are not enough available frequencies to fill all of the portfolios obtained in Saint Martin, Saint-Barthélemy and in Guiana.

2.1.3 Determination of winning candidates of each portfolio as part of the principal auction

The principal auction will be a single-round sealed bid auction.

Only those candidates deemed qualified following the qualification stage can participate in this auction.

Arcep will begin by determining all of the possible allotments among the candidates for the frequency portfolios to be assigned as part of the principal auction, whose purpose is to assign the available frequencies and, for each candidate, in accordance with the rules detailed in Part 2.1.6.

A value is assigned to each of these allotments, corresponding to the amount that the candidates have bid for the frequency portfolios they obtain from among these allotments.

The allotment that obtains the highest bid will be the one chosen. In case of a tie between several allotments, there will be a draw to decide the winning one.

Each winning candidate will be assigned the portfolio that it holds in the chosen allotment.

2.1.4 Determination of the quantity of frequencies to be assigned to the winning candidates

In Mayotte, each winning candidate will be assigned the quantity of frequencies contained in the portfolio it has obtained.

The following paragraphs apply to the territories of Guiana, Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy.

First, the spectrum resources in the 900 MHz band that are available as of 1 May 2025 are assigned to the principal auction’s winning candidates, who will hold less than 2 x 5 MHz in the band on 1 May 2025, as of publication of the list of qualified candidates, up to a maximum holding of a 2 x 5 MHz, within the limit of available frequencies and provided a sufficient quantity of frequencies is available on 1 May 2025.

If applicable, if additional spectrum in this band remains available on 1 May 2025, the first stage will be repeated in increments of 2 x 5 MHz (2 x 10 MHz then 2 x 15 MHz).

At each stage, the quantities of frequencies to be assigned are examined successively for each winning candidate according to their portfolio’s order, established in accordance with the numbering of the portfolios as detailed in Section 2.1.2), starting with those to be assigned to the winning candidate for portfolio No. 1.

When examining the case of a given winning candidate, each step seeks to assign the greatest amount of spectrum possible:

• within the limit of the current increment;
• within the limit of the maximum quantity defined by the frequency portfolio the candidate has been assigned;
• taking into account its existing frequency holdings beyond 1 May 2025, as of publication of the list of qualified candidates;
• and subject to the quantity of available frequencies that have not yet been assigned to the other winning candidates as part of the procedure.

2.1.5 Frequency positioning stage

Arcep will determine the positioning of the frequencies assigned to winning candidates in the 900 MHz band after consulting with the affected operators.

The determination of this positioning factors in the frequencies that the winning candidates have obtained at the outcome of the selection stage and, if applicable, the quantity of frequencies they hold beyond 1 May 2025 prior to this procedure.

The determination of operators’ positioning in the frequency band is established with a view to meeting the objectives set forth in Article L. 32-1 of the French Postal and Electronic Communications Code (CPCE), in particular those pertaining to efficient spectrum management, and to the following criteria:

• assignment of multiple blocks of 2 x 5 MHz of spectrum;
• the contiguousness of the frequencies assigned to each operator;
• consideration of the border coordination situation;
• minimisation of the required rearrangement of frequencies ;
• fair frequency access conditions.

If it becomes necessary to choose between several possible positionings at the outcome of the consultation stage, Arcep will base its decision on the order of the portfolios obtained from the selection stage, in accordance with the numbering of the portfolios as detailed in Part 2.1.2, starting with the winning candidate of portfolio No. 1.

2.1.6 Capping the amount of spectrum the candidates can obtain

In accordance with the Government’s goal of stimulating competition, and the regulatory objectives set forth in CPCE Article L. 32-1, notably of safeguarding fair and effective competition and efficient spectrum management and use, Arcep plans on setting a cap on the total amount of spectrum each candidate can obtain, with:

• a planned maximum of 12.5 MHz (paired) in the 900 MHz band;
• a planned maximum of 30 MHz (paired) for the combined amount of spectrum held in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands.

• a planned maximum of 25 MHz (paired) out of the total combined frequencies held in the 700 MHz, 800 MHz and 900 MHz compatible with the frequency allocation tables in the neighbouring territories of Saint-Martin and in Saint-Barthélemy.

In any event, if because of these caps, the combined demand from all of the qualified candidates makes it impossible to assign all of the frequencies described in Section 2.2.1., the procedure allows for the authorised cap to be increased to 15 MHz Moreover, in Mayotte and in Guiana, if the number of qualified candidates participating in the principal auction stage for the assignment of the 900 MHz band is strictly fewer than four, the procedures allow for the cap on low-band frequencies to be lifted.

2.2 In the 1800 MHz band in Guiana, in Guadeloupe, in Martinique, in Saint-Barthélemy, in Saint-Martin, Réunion and Mayotte

The assignment rules and procedures for the 1800 MHz band in the territories of Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Réunion and Mayotte are being proposed for the following quantities of frequencies, which will be available and able to be used starting on 1 May 2025. As of this writing, they are as follows:

• 2X30 MHz in Guiana;
• 2X 35 MHz in Guadeloupe;
• 2X 35 MHz in Martinique;
• 2X 29.2 MHz in Saint-Martin;
• 2X 20 MHz in Saint-Barthélemy;
• 2X 45.2 MHz in Réunion;
• 2X 33.6 MHz in Mayotte.

The purpose of this procedure is to determine the winning candidates, the amount of spectrum each one is awarded, and their specific frequency position. Every winning candidate will be subject to a set of obligations.

In each of the territories in question, Arcep is proposing a “frequency portfolio” mechanism for their assignment, which is described in section 2.2.1. The proposed selection mechanism is based on financial bids.

2.2.1 General principle: frequency portfolio assignment

At the outcome of the principal auction phase set out below in sections 2.2.3 and 2.2.4, every winning candidate will be associated with a portfolio of frequencies which defines, within the 1800 MHz band, the quantity of frequencies that they could be assigned as of 1 May 2025, keeping in mind existing assignments in this band, upon publication of the list of qualified candidates.

The quantity of frequencies that will actually be assigned to each winning candidate via this procedure is thus less than or equal to the quantity of 1800 MHz band frequencies contained in the obtained portfolio, minus the amount of spectrum that the winning candidate already holds in this band beyond 1 May 2025, as publication of the list of qualified candidates.

A qualified candidate may be assigned a quantity of frequencies via this procedure this is strictly below the quantity allowed by the portfolio they obtained if there is not enough spectrum in the 1800 MHz band to fill all of the portfolios.

2.2.2 Determination of the size of the portfolios

The size of the frequency portfolio that a qualified candidate is likely to obtain in the 1800 MHz band depends on the number of qualified candidates.

In the case where the number of qualified candidates is equal to or more than four, each winning candidate in each of the territories will be assigned one of the four following portfolios (expressed in MHz pairs):

Table 3 - Frequency portfolios (4 winning candidates)

In the case where the number of qualified candidates is strictly fewer than four, each winning candidate will be assigned one of the three following portfolios (expressed in MHz pairs):

Table 4 - Frequency portfolios (3 winning candidates)

Additionally, each portfolio is assigned an order of priority, by ascending number, which corresponds to the winning candidates’ order of review at the outcome of the principal auction, in the case where available frequencies are not enough to fill all of the obtained portfolios.

2.2.3 Determination of the winning candidates of each portfolio as part of the principal auction

The principal auction will be a single-round sealed bid auction.

Only those candidates deemed qualified following the qualification stage can participate in this auction.

Arcep will begin by determining all of the possible allotments among the candidates for the frequency portfolios to be assigned as part of the principal auction, whose purpose is to assign the available frequencies and, for each candidate, in accordance with the rules detailed in Part 2.2.6.

A value is assigned to each of these allotments, corresponding to the amount that the candidates have bid for the frequency portfolios they obtain from among these allotments.

The allotment that obtains the highest bid will be the one chosen. In case of a tie between several allotments, there will be a draw to decide the winning one.

Each winning candidate will be assigned the portfolio that it holds in the chosen allotment.

2.2.4 Determination of the quantities of frequencies to be assigned to the winning candidates

First, the spectrum resources in the 1800 MHz band that are available as of 1 May 2025 are assigned to the principal auction’s winning candidates, who will hold less than 2 x 5 MHz in the band on 1 May 2025, as of publication of the list of qualified candidates, up to a holding of 2 x 5 MHz, within the limit of available frequencies and provided a sufficient quantity of frequencies is available on 1 May 2025.

If applicable, if additional spectrum in the 1800 MHz band remains available on 1 May 2025, the first stage will be repeated in increments of 2 x 5 MHz (2 x 10 MHz then 2 x 15 MHz).

At each stage, the quantities of frequencies to be assigned are examined successively for each winning candidate according to their portfolio’s order, established in accordance with the numbering of the portfolios as detailed in Section 2.2.2, starting with those to be assigned to the winning candidate of portfolio No. 1.

When examining the case of a given winning candidate, each step seeks to assign the greatest amount of spectrum possible:

• within the limit of the current increment;
• within the limit of the maximum quantity defined by the frequency portfolio the candidate has been assigned;
• taking into account its existing frequency holdings beyond 1 May 2025, as of publication of the list of qualified candidates;
• and subject to the quantity of available frequencies that have not yet been assigned as part of the procedure to the other winning candidates.

2.2.5 Frequency positioning stage

Arcep will determine the positioning of the frequencies assigned to winning candidates in the 1800 MHz band after consulting with the affected operators.

The determination of this positioning factors in the frequencies that the winning candidates have obtained at the outcome of the selection stage and, if applicable, the quantity of frequencies they hold beyond 1 May 2025 prior to this procedure.

The determination of operators’ positioning in the frequency band is established with a view to meeting the objectives set forth in Article L. 32-1 of the French Postal and Electronic Communications Code (CPCE), in particular those pertaining to efficient spectrum management, and to the following criteria:

• assignment of multiple blocks of 2 x 5 MHz of spectrum;
• the contiguousness of the frequencies assigned to each operator;
• consideration of the border coordination situation;
• minimisation of the required rearrangement of frequencies;
• fair frequency access conditions.

If it becomes necessary to choose between several possible positionings at the outcome of the consultation stage, Arcep will base its decision on the order of the portfolios obtained from the selection stage, established according to their order in Part 2.2.2, starting with the winning candidate of portfolio No. 1.

2.2.6 Capping the quantities of frequencies that the candidates can obtain

Arcep plans on capping the total amount of spectrum that each candidate acquires, in keeping with the Government’s goal of stimulating competition, with a planned cap of 2x25 MHz duplex in the 1800 MHz band.

2.3 In the 2.1 GHz band in Guiana, in Guadeloupe, in Martinique, in Saint-Barthélemy, in Saint-Martin, Réunion and Mayotte

The assignment rules and procedures for the 2.1 GHz MHz band in the territories of Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, La Réunion and Mayotte are being proposed for the following quantities of frequencies, which will be available and able to be used starting on 1 May 2025. As of this writing, they are as follows:

• 2 x 20.8 MHz in Guiana;
• 2 x 20.8 MHz in Guadeloupe;
• 2 x 20.8 MHz in Martinique;
• 2 x 25.4 MHz in Saint-Martin;
• 2 x 25.4 MHz in Saint-Barthélemy;
• 2 x 25.4 MHz in Réunion;
• 2 x 10.8 MHz in Mayotte.

The purpose of this procedure is to determine the winning candidates, the amount of spectrum each one is awarded, and their specific frequency position. Every winning candidate will be subject to a set of obligations.

In each of the territories in question, Arcep is proposing a “frequency portfolio” mechanism for their assignment, which is described in section 2.3.1. The proposed selection mechanism is based on financial bids.

2.3.1 General principle: frequency portfolio assignment

At the outcome of the principal auction phase set out below in sections 2.3.3 and 2.3.4, every winning candidate will be associated with a portfolio of frequencies which defines, within the 2.1 GHz band, the quantity of frequencies that they could be assigned as of 1 May 2025, keeping in mind existing assignments in this band, upon publication of the list of qualified candidates.

The quantity of frequencies that will actually be assigned to each winning candidate via this procedure is thus less than or equal to the quantity of 2.1 GHz band frequencies contained in the obtained portfolio, minus the amount of spectrum that the winning candidate already holds in this band beyond 1 May 2025, as publication of the list of qualified candidates.

A qualified candidate may be assigned a quantity of frequencies via this procedure this is strictly below the quantity allowed by the portfolio they obtained if there is not enough spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band to fill all of the portfolios.

2.3.2 Determination of the size of the portfolios

The size of the frequency portfolio that a qualified candidate is likely to obtain in the 2.1 GHz band depends on the number of qualified candidates.

In the case where the number of qualified candidates is equal to or more than four, each winning candidate in each of the territories will be assigned one of the four following portfolios (expressed in MHz pairs):

Table 5 - Frequency portfolios (4 winning candidates)

In the case where the number of qualified candidates is strictly fewer than four, each winning candidate will be assigned one of the three following portfolios (expressed in MHz pairs):

Table 6 - Frequency portfolios (3 winning candidates)

Additionally, each portfolio is assigned an order of priority, by ascending number, which corresponds to the winning candidates’ order of review at the outcome of the principal auction, in the case where available frequencies are not enough to fill all of the obtained portfolios.

2.3.3 Determination of the winning candidates of each portfolio as part of the principal auction

The principal auction will be a single-round sealed bid auction.

Only those candidates deemed qualified following the qualification stage can participate in this auction.

Arcep will begin by determining all of the possible allotments among the candidates for the frequency portfolios to be assigned as part of the principal auction, whose purpose is to assign the available frequencies and, for each candidate, in accordance with the rules detailed in Part 2.3.6.

A value is assigned to each of these allotments, corresponding to the amount that the candidates have bid for the frequency portfolios they obtain from among these allotments.

The allotment that obtains the highest bid will be the one chosen. In case of a tie between several allotments, there will be a draw to decide the winning one.

Each winning candidate will be assigned the portfolio that it holds in the chosen allotment.

2.3.4 Determination of the quantities of frequencies to be assigned to the winning candidates

First, the spectrum resources in the 2.1 GHz band that are available as of 1 May 2025 are assigned to the principal auction’s winning candidates, who will hold less than 2 x 5 MHz in the band on 1 May 2025, as of publication of the list of qualified candidates, up to a holding of 2 x 5 MHz, within the limit of available frequencies and provided a sufficient quantity of frequencies is available on 1 May 2025.

If applicable, if additional spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band remains available on 1 May 2025, the first stage will be repeated in increments of 2 x 5 MHz (2 x 10 MHz then 2 x 15 MHz).

At each stage, the quantities of frequencies to be assigned are examined successively for each winning candidate according to their portfolio’s order, established in accordance with the numbering of the portfolios as detailed in Section 2.3.2, starting with those to be assigned to the winning candidate of portfolio No. 1.

When examining the case of a given winning candidate, each step seeks to assign the greatest amount of spectrum possible:

• within the limit of the current increment;
• within the limit of the maximum quantity defined by the frequency portfolio the candidate has been assigned;
• taking into account its existing frequency holdings beyond 1 May 2025, as of publication of the list of qualified candidates;
• and subject to the quantity of available frequencies that have not yet been assigned as part of the procedure to the other winning candidates.

2.3.5 Frequency positioning stage

a) In the territories of Guiana, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy, Réunion and Mayotte

Arcep will determine the positioning of the frequencies assigned to winning candidates in the 2.1 GHz band in the territories of Guiana, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy, Réunion and Mayotte 1800 MHz band after consulting with the affected operators.

The determination of this positioning factors in the frequencies that the winning candidates have obtained at the outcome of the selection stage and, if applicable, the quantity of frequencies they hold beyond 1 May 2025 prior to this procedure.

The determination of operators’ positioning in the frequency band is established with a view to meeting the objectives set forth in CPCE Article L. 32-1, in particular that of efficient spectrum management, and to the following criteria:

• assignment of multiple blocks of 2 x 5 MHz of spectrum;
• the contiguousness of the frequencies assigned to each operator;
• consideration of the border coordination situation;
• minimisation of the required rearrangement of frequencies;
• fair frequency access conditions.

If it becomes necessary to choose between several possible positionings at the outcome of the consultation stage, Arcep will base its decision on the order of the portfolios obtained from the selection stage, established according to their order in Part 2.3.2, starting with the winning candidate of portfolio No. 1.

b) In the territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique

For the positioning stage, the quantities of spectrum that each winning candidate obtains in the 2.1 GHz band are divided into blocks of 5 MHz pairs and, if applicable, into any remaining spectrum of less than 2 x 5 MHz.

The candidates that have obtained less than a 5 MHz pair at the outcome of the principal auction for the 2.1 GHz band will participate, if their respective positioning choices require it, in successive, single-round sealed bid positioning auctions, each for a block of 2 x 5 MHz from among the positions available in this band as of 1 May 2025, which will make it possible to determine the sequencing of the 2 x 5 MHz block(s) they have obtained.

At the outcome of this positioning auction for 2.1 GHz band frequencies, Arcep will determine the band’s ultimate arrangement, including the positioning of any leftover frequencies from the positioning auction, referred to above, after having consulted with the affected operators. This stage can in no way challenge the sequencing of the frequencies resulting from the above-mentioned positioning auction.

2.3.6 Capping the quantities of spectrum that the candidates can obtain

Arcep plans on capping the total amount of spectrum that each candidate acquires, in keeping with the Government’s goal of stimulating competition, with a planned cap of 2x20 MHz duplex in the 2.1 GHz band.

2.4 Planned obligations for the winning candidates of frequencies in the 900 MHz, 1800 GHz and 2.1 GHz bands

The assignment procedures stipulate that every candidate that is assigned frequencies in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and/or 2.1 GHz band will be subject to the following obligations:

• An obligation to cover the local population and, for winning candidates that already hold licences to use the frequency bands for which they are the winning candidates, awarded during the previous assignment procedure, the same coverage obligation as the one stipulated during the previous assignment, whether still in effect on 1 May 2025 or expiring on 30 April 2025;

• An obligation to provide an outdoor mobile telephone service, 24/7, including during heavy traffic times, for devices equipped with a bandpass filter for attenuation of -10 dB:
  • to 95% of the population of the territories of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, of Réunion and Mayotte in 2030 then 99% of the population of all of these territories in 2035;
  • to 80% of the population of the territory of Guiana in 2030 then to 85% of the population of this territory in 2035.
• An obligation to provide superfast mobile access and mobile telephone services accessible on-board vehicles travelling on roadways classified 1 and 2 – as defined in the 2022 edition of the IGN BD CARTO® reference database – in Mayotte and in Saint Martin by 1 May 2028 at the latest;

• An obligation to cover certain pre-identified areas in Guiana, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Réunion and Mayotte, based on needs identified by the territories. Depending on the pre-identified areas in the territories of Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Réunion and Mayotte, operators will be either fully responsible for providing coverage or, for certain areas subject to specific restrictions, providing coverage will be contingent on the supply of infrastructures and, when applicable, to the granting of administrative authorisations. In Guiana, the deployment obligation for areas identified as being priorities, will depend on operators’ ability to access infrastructures, including masts in particular;

• An obligation for the winning candidates to deploy superfast mobile access using the frequencies they have been assigned (from at least 50% of the cell sites in the mobile operator’s network).

2.5 Licence duration and rendez-vous clause

In the 900 MHz band, frequencies are assigned up to 21 November 2036 in Guiana, in Saint Martin and in Saint Barthélemy, and up to 23 May 2037 in Mayotte, where a potential five-year extension is possible.

In the 1800 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands, in all of the territories, frequencies are assigned up to 21 November 2036.

In addition, an interim reviewis set to occur before 2030 to verify operators’ implementation of their obligations, and take stock of market requirements, notably in the areas of mobile network coverage and quality of service. Obligations could be revised based on the findings of these reviews, after having reached an agreement with the licence-holder.