On 27 October 2023, Arcep launched a public consultation on its draft procedure for awarding licences to use frequencies in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz and 3.4 – 3.8 GHz bands in Martinique and in Guadeloupe. Stakeholders are invited to share their contributions before 6 pm (Paris time) on 12 December 2023.
The draft document being published for consultation pertains to both the assignment of frequencies that are already available in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands, and the assignment of 900 MHz band frequencies that will become available in 2025.
In the overseas territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe, 30 MHz (paired) and 380 MHz are available today, respectively, in the 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz bands. Moreover the licences that Arcep has awarded to use frequencies for the 900 MHz band in these territories will expire on 30 April 2025. A 35 MHz pair of duplex frequencies will thus become available in this band on 1 May 2025.
Provisions regarding regional digital development in the territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe
The proposed terms and conditions governing frequency awards are in keeping with the guidelines set by the Government, in a letter dated 20 October 2023 from Philippe Vigier, the Minister responsible for Overseas affairs, and Jean-Noël Barrot, the Minister responsible for Digital affairs, regarding regional digital development and ensuring fair and effective competition in Martinique and in Guadeloupe. In particular, the conditions and award procedure include a series of provisions designed to improve mobile coverage and connectivity in these territories, which were drafted in concert with local authorities.
The contributions to the public consultations will enable Arcep to finalise these award procedures. The Authority will then propose calls for applications to the Government, with a view to awarding the frequency licences in 2024.
The press kit attached to this press release provides a summary of the procedure’s main parameters.
Associated documents:
- Press pack: terms and conditions for the allocation of frequencies in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz and 3.4 - 3.8 GHz bands in Martinique and Guadeloupe: draft terms and conditions put out to public consultation
- Public consultation on the draft Annex to the Decision proposing the procedure for assigning frequencies in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz and 3.4 – 3.8 GHz bands in Martinique and in Guadeloupe
- Stakeholders’ contributions to the public consultation that ran from February 2023 to 4 April 2023 on the assignment of frequencies in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz and 3.4 – 3.8 GHz bands in Martinique and in Guadeloupe