France gets 4 bidders for 2.6GHz band

News Wireless France 15 SEP 2011
France gets 4 bidders for 2.6GHz band
France's three main mobile operators, Orange, Bouygues Telecom and SFR, as well as newcomer Free Mobile, have applied to participate in the auction of 4G radio frequencies in the 2.6GHz band, regulator Arcep announced. The deadline to apply was noon on 15 September. Arcep said it will consider the applications and name the qualified bidders by mid-October, with the auction to follow shortly after. The deadline for participating in a separate auction for the 800MHz band is 15 December, and the auction for this band is planned for early 2012. The government expects to raise at least EUR 700 million from the 2.6GHz band and EUR 1.8 billion for the 700MHz band. The process however could still be delayed, as Free has filed an appeal against the payment conditions. While the Council of State earlier this month rejected its application for a preliminary injunction suspending the process, it still needs to rule on the full merits of the case.

Categories:

Mobile

Companies:

Bouygues Telecom,  Orange,  SFR,  Arcep,  Free Mobile

Countries:

France

Tags:

Government telecommunications licensing, Wholesale, 4G - LTE

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