The frequency of 700 MHz so far attributed to television and now released will be auctioned in 6 lots, three of which at most could be acquired by Free (Iliad), announced Friday the Communications Regulatory Authority (ARCEP).
The Authority on Friday issued the proposals that have yet to go through the Consultative Commission on electronic communications and consider the Free delay on close frequencies, the bands 800 and 900 MHz in order to “preserve a fair and effective competition,” says Arcep in a statement.
In fact, the newest operator, which has few Frequency own, can bid on up to three of the six lots sold, without having the guarantee to obtain them, while competitors (Orange, Bouygues Telecom and SFR), much more present on nearby frequencies, may not compete as for up to two lots each.
The purpose of the Regulatory Authority is to avoid an operator can control more than a third of the three bands involved, those of 700, 800 and 900 MHz.
Questioned by AFP, the Minister of Economy, Emmanuel Macron, was satisfied by the fixed process, saying it is “the most neutral possible and attentive to what each operator can defend his chances, “while stressing the importance of preserving competition.
” I’ll be careful and I will ensure that the Competition Authority is also to prevent any eviction “d One of the operators, warned the Minister of Economy.
“We did not strip reserved for one or the other actors. If there is appetite in one of the operators, it is a good thing, if it arouses the appetite in others is even better, “added Mr. Macron, in reference to a further possible interest from Free.
The rules set by the regulator is meant to be both simple and accurate, particularly as regards the obligations imposed on operators, in terms of investment and coverage of the territory in particular.
“It is important that there is no risk of litigation, that things are extremely clear in legal terms, with a transparent procedure and as neutral as possible” , insisted the Minister of Economy “
-. Spatial among bonds –
Among these obligations, Arcep has ensured a secure deployment on the whole territory of this new frequency, like the existing rules for the frequency of 800 MHz.
“The deployment of frequencies in the 700 MHz band is widely imposed in rural areas, in addition to the frequencies of the 800 MHz band, to improve the quality 4G services in these areas and in anticipation of the deployment, if necessary, the 5G on these frequencies, “detailed the Arcep in a statement.
The goal is to have double coverage, in both 700 and 800 MHz, which then provide a doubled speed enabling rural areas to have the mobile broadband, with the image that exists in urban areas.
By the same logic, a special effort must be made by operators to ensure a quality of service on the coverage of the daily trains, used for travel home and work, for which 60% of the network will be covered from 2022.
The new frequencies will be awarded before the end of the year, for a period of twenty years, and could relate to the State at least 2.5 billion euros, which would provide for the extension given to the defense in the review of military planning law earlier this month.
Until now occupied by the TNT, frequencies will switch gradually to the mobile from April 2016, to the Ile de France, and until the end of June 2019, according to a decree of the Prime Minister on Friday.
“In the context of the telecom market, the priority is to innovate and to invest in improving the service provided to users. Participation in the auction is an element of the innovation strategy and investment of operators, “said Emmanuel Macron.
Considered the” golden frequencies “, the band 700 MHz, so far attributed to television provides better quality service, meeting the constraints of 4G while covering a wider territory from each relay antenna.
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