Arcep publishes regularly updated coverage maps for voice/SMS and mobile internet services for each operator on its “Mon réseau mobile” (My mobile network) website. The public consultation being opened today queries market stakeholders on:
A draft decision on bringing changes to mobile coverage maps for voice and SMS services, with a view to the upcoming decommissioning of 2G technology;
On potential changes to mobile internet service coverage maps.
A draft decision to adapt mobile coverage maps in view of the upcoming shutdown of 2G then 3G networks
The draft decision plans on replacing the current map of voice/SMS service coverage for 2G and 3G technologies with a map of voice/SMS service coverage incorporating all available technologies (currently 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G). It also plans on putting an end to the obligation for operators to provide 2G coverage maps. Depending on when the final Decision is approved, operators’ first publication of these new maps could occur by 3 November 2026, based on data as of 30 September 2026.
This update reflects an evolution in how the different mobile technologies are being used to access voice and texting services. According to the briefing note from the Committee of technical experts on mobile networks from March 2026, on the impact that the shutdown of 2G and 3G technologies will have on mobile network coverage in Metropolitan France, “the actual percentage of 2G voice, SMS and data traffic today is very small, and generated chiefly by devices that are only 2G compatible”. The purpose of this process is therefore to update information on mobile coverage for voice/SMS services, and to adapt the rules for transmitting information to Arcep, for providing the public with information, and for verifying the accuracy of the information, accordingly.
Accuracy level requirements for the maps and the different coverage levels (from no coverage to very good coverage) remain unchanged.
Querying the ecosystem on future changes to mobile internet maps
As an adjunct, with a view to the shutdown of 3G technology, and at a time of increasing use and variety of ultrafast 4G and 5G mobile internet services, Arcep wants to obtain market stakeholders’ feedback on the opportunity to bring changes to mobile data services maps: putting an end to the publication of the 3G map, on the one hand, and, on the other, replacing the 4G map with a map of “ultrafast” mobile internet service coverage, independent of the technology being used.
N.B.: the proposed changes to mobile internet maps are not included in the draft decision being published for consultation. They could be the subject of a future decision in 2027.
The public consultation attached to this press release will run until 6:00 pm on 4 June 2026. Comments are being sought from all interested stakeholders.