The French government has asked telecom authority Arcep to assess whether the subsidised handset business model encourages consumers to replace smartphones more frequently, increasing the environmental impact of mobile devices. The move was initially proposed by members of the public participating in a government-led programme on climate strategy. Following on from Arcep’s investigation, the two ministers responsible for ecological transition and digital affairs will decide on any potential action based on the findings.
In January, French senators had also proposed to look at mobile operators’ practices on subsidised handsets as part of a draft law aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the country’s digital sector. As reported by Les Echos, senators motivated their demand by noting that 22 percent of contracts taken by French consumers currently include a subsidy, representing 15.4 million mobile phones. This happens at a time when most end-users would need to upgrade their smartphones to benefit from 5G networks under deployment.
Arcep has also been asked to examine whether the future award of 26 GHz frequencies for 5G use could integrate a sustainability focus, leading to better environmental practices. This assessment, alongside the planned study on subsidised handsets, is part of a new policy roadmap that looks at bringing environmental and digital issues together. Among the other measures within the government's roadmap, ministers have pledged support for sustainable data centres and for projects that make 5G work towards the green transition.
