On 5 January 2023, Arcep launched a public consultation on the draft procedures for awarding 900 MHz band frequencies in Réunion. Stakeholders have until 3 March 2023 to submit their contributions.
The draft procedure being published for consultation concerns both the immediate award of available frequencies and the award of frequencies that will become available in 2025
In the territory of Réunion, in the 900 MHz band, a 5 MHz pair of duplex frequencies is currently available for assignment. Licences to use these frequencies awarded by Arcep will all expire on 30 April 2025, as a result of which an additional 29.8 MHz pair of duplex frequencies will become available in this band on 1 May 2025.
Regional digital development provisions for Réunion
The planned assignment conditions and procedures align with the guidelines set forth by the Government in a letter dated 21 December 2022, written by Jean-Noël Barrot, Secretary of State for the Digital Transition and Electronic Communications. These guidelines seek to promote regional digital development and to ensure fair and effective competition in Réunion. In particular, these conditions and procedures include a series of provisions designed to improve mobile coverage and connectivity onboard vehicles on motorways and the major routes across the territory of Réunion.
Contributions to the public consultations will enable Arcep to finalise these award procedures. Arcep will then submit its final text to the Government, with a view to conducting these award procedures in 2023.
The media kit attached to this press release contains a summary of the main assignment and procedural stipulations.