Frequencies – French Overseas Territories

Four companies submitted a tender dossier for the assignment of frequencies in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz and 3.4 – 3.8 GHz bands in Martinique and in Guadeloupe before the deadline[1]:

• Digicel AFG;
• Free Caraïbe;
• Orange;
• Outremer Telecom.

The four candidates each requested to be assigned one of the four blocks of 50 MHz in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band, which will be assigned in exchange for a series of commitments set forth in the procedure[2]. The four candidates also expressed their desire to participate in the principal auction stage for frequency packages in the 700 MHz and 900 MHz bands, and in the principal auction stage for blocks of frequencies in the 700 MHz and 900 MHz bands, in each of the two territories of Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Companies that did not submit a tender dossier will be unable to participate in the procedure for the assignment of frequencies in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band, nor in the procedures for the assignment of frequencies in the 700 MHz and 900 MHz bands.

After having examined the four tender dossiers, Arcep will publish the list of candidates that are eligible to participate in the auctions

When examining the tender dossiers, Arcep will ensure that they meet the procedure’s eligibility and qualification requirements, and will draw up the list of qualified candidates for the assignment stage for 50 MHz blocks in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band. Once this examination is complete, Arcep will publish the list of the applicants that are eligible to participate in the auctions for 700 MHz, 900 MHz and 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band frequencies, along with the results of the assignment phase for 50 MHz blocks in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band in each of the territories, of Martinique and Guadeloupe. 700 MHz and 900 MHz band frequencies, as well as frequencies that remain available after the assignment of the 50 MHz blocks in the 3.4 – 3.8 GHz band, in both of these territories will then be subject to an auction-based selection procedure that will take place in the following weeks.

Associated document:

• Provisional timetable, assignment procedures and conditions