French telecom regulator Arcep has allocated 800MHz spectrum for 4G mobile services to operators Bouygues Telecom, Orange France and SFR. Free Mobile, whose bid for 800MHz spectrum was not successful but previously secured spectrum in the 2.6GHz band, will be able to roam in less densely populated areas on the 800MHz network of SFR, which won two blocks of 800MHz spectrum. Free Mobile will have the right to roam on SFR's 800MHz spectrum when its 2.6GHz network covers 25 percent of the population. SFR, which offered to pay EUR 1.07 billion, was awarded blocks B and C, Orange France, which offered EUR 891 million, won block D, and Bouygues Telecom, which offered EUR 683.09 million, received Block A. The three operators each have 10 MHz duplex. The 800MHz auction raised EUR 2.64 billion, compared to a EUR 1.8 billion reserve price. The government previously raised EUR 936 million from the 2.6GHz auction, taking the total for 4G licensing to nearly EUR 3.6 billion, versus a EUR 2.5 billion global reserve price. Arcep will deliver authorisations to use the 800MHz frequencies in early January.
