Paris (AFP)

The next generation of 5G mobile networks will begin on September 29 a new stage essential for the first deployments expected at the end of the year, with the start of the main auction for the allocation of its frequencies, which should bring in several billion euros to the State.

Initially scheduled for April but postponed due to the epidemic, this auction phase, which will begin on September 29, should make it possible to allocate to operators 11 "blocks" of frequencies that are currently unused, and pave the way for the first 5G commercial services in some cities.

"Yes, the auctions will take place. (...) They will last as long as the different operators compete and increase the prices to have a more or less important quantity of frequencies", declared Sébastien Soriano, the president of the telecoms regulator ( Arcep), Monday on France Info.

To set up a new mobile network, each operator (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom and Free) must acquire the right to emit "microwave" waves on a certain frequency.

All generations of cellular networks have relied on radio waves modulated at higher and higher frequencies to transmit more data in less time.

The first generation of mobile telephony made it possible to make calls, 2G to add text, 3G to start sending images and 4G to develop mobile internet and video uses.

Ultimately, 5G must accelerate everything, increase the number of video (including video games), decongest mobile networks in certain areas, and connect everything that is not currently: factories, transport, autonomous vehicles, health, etc.

- More than 2 billion in revenue for the State -

5G will be launched in France by first using the frequency band from 3.4 to 3.8 gigahertz (GHz) on the electromagnetic spectrum, which classifies the different radiations from x-rays to microwaves passing through light visible.

The four operators each obtained a block of 50 megahertz (MHz) in this band, at a fixed price of 350 million euros.

By adding the auctions which will start on September 29 for an additional 110 MHz, the state hopes to collect at least 2.17 billion euros.

The main auction will be followed by a "positioning auction" allowing operators to choose whether they prefer to be located in the center of the band or at its ends, more conducive to interference with other services, specified Arcep. to AFP.

These auctions do not concern the so-called 26 GHz band, which is currently only the subject of experiments because its potential effects on health have been less studied and are therefore less well known.

Yet it is these so-called "millimeter" frequencies that should bring about a real revolution in telecommunications, with unparalleled data rates and minimal latency.

- ANSES report at the start of 2021 -

However, 5G arouses hostility from part of public opinion and several local politicians or NGOs, who question the interest for society of this new technology, citing risks to health or a unfavorable environmental balance.

Some have called for a moratorium on the allocation of frequencies in the 3.4-3.8 GHz band.

But the government wanted to maintain its schedule without waiting for the next report from the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) scheduled for early 2021, highlighting in particular the fact that most of the advanced countries have already allocated these frequencies and are more advanced in the process of implementing 5G.

"5G is first and foremost an industrial project," which "is not imposed by the State," replied Sébastien Soriano, inviting operators to dialogue with local elected officials.

Mr. Soriano also envisaged the establishment of "objectives of stability, even decrease" of the carbon footprint of the networks.

© 2020 AFP