The telecoms regulatory authority (Arcep) announced Thursday that the four main operators applying for the allocation of frequencies for future 5G mobile networks are qualified to participate in the auctions. However, these are postponed due to the health crisis.
Bouygues Telecom, Free, Orange and SFR "have subscribed to the commitments provided for in the specifications and will each be able to obtain, at the end of this procedure and for an amount of 350 million euros, a block of 50 Megahertz (MHz)" , Arcep said in a statement.
# 5G | @bouyguestelecom, @free, @orange and @SFR are qualified to participate in the auctions of frequencies in the 3.4 - 3.8 GHz band.
The holding of the auctions is postponed in connection with the health crisis # COVID19france
The press release đź”˝ https://t.co/mPRXtJd7sq https://t.co/nO6rqIo5PG pic.twitter.com/16JXIfuuNE
Deployment by the end of the year
The four operators were the only candidates for the allocation of the frequency known as 3.5 GigaHertz (GHz) which should allow them to start the deployment of 5G by the end of the year in certain cities.
In exchange for this first block of frequencies, they undertook to respond to "reasonable requests" from companies, communities or administrations who would like adapted offers or to be entrusted with frequencies. Operators will also have to improve the coverage of mobile networks inside buildings for professional use, provide fixed Internet access offers via 5G and allow the development of virtual network operators (MVNO).
Staggered auctions
However, due to the health crisis, the auctions initially scheduled for April 21 are postponed. They must make it possible to allocate the 11 blocks of 10 MHz still available in the band 3.4 - 3.8 GigaHertz (GHz), for a minimum amount of 70 million euros per tranche.
The State hopes to draw from the allocation operation at least 2.17 billion euros, but the amount could be much higher, depending on the intensity of the auction phase. "The current circumstances of health crisis have not made it possible to conduct the preparations necessary for the material organization of this auction. The result is a time lag, the duration of which will depend on that of the health crisis, ”explained the regulator.
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