Arcep regularly publishes 2G, 3G and 4G coverage maps on its “Mon réseau mobile” (My mobile network) website. Produced by operators, these maps are based on modelling that factors in the location of cell towers, their transmit power, and the presence of geographical elements that could weaken their transmissions.
To reflect users’ experience as accurately as possible, Arcep wants to enhance “mobile internet” coverage maps, and is submitting this draft initiative to a public consultation that will run until 30 April 2024.
More accurately reflect the user experience by adopting a more detailed view of “mobile internet” coverage
Maps for “Voice and SMS” services currently distinguish four levels of coverage, ranging from “No coverage” to “Very good coverage”. Meanwhile, “mobile internet” coverage maps provide only a binary piece of information: covered or not covered.
To improve the information provided to users, Arcep plans on introducing four “mobile internet” (4G) coverage levels, like those that exist for “Voice and SMS” maps:
- “No coverage”: unlikely to be able to use mobile data services, whether indoors or outdoors;
- “Limited coverage”: possibility of using mobile data services outdoors in most cases, but probably not indoors;
- “Good coverage”: possibility of using mobile data services outdoors in most cases, and indoors in some cases;
- “Very good coverage”: possibility of using mobile data services outdoors and, in most cases, indoors.
The additional information provided by having these levels will enable users to have a better idea of the theoretical mobile internet coverage available at a given address.
The public consultation (in French) attached to this press release will run until 6 pm on 30 April 2024. All interested parties are invited to share their feedback with the Authority.