\tFrench communications regulator Arcep opened applications for its sale of 5G suitable frequencies, with operators given a deadline of 25 February to complete the relevant paperwork.<\/p>\n
The notification was published at the turn of 2020 and followed confirmation of pricing and terms released by authorities in mid-December [1].<\/p>\n
Under the structure of the sale, France\u2019s four existing operators will be offered 50MHz in the 3.4GHz to 3.8GHz bands at a fixed price of \u20ac350 million each. Further blocks of 10MHz will then be sold in an auction with a starting price for each lot of \u20ac70 million.<\/p>\n
Authorities expect to raise at least \u20ac2.2 billion between the fixed sale and auction.<\/p>\n
All sales are subject to operators making strict commitments on coverage, with licences lasting for an initial term of 15 years.<\/p>\n
In a statement, Arcep said it expects to issue licences during the first half of the year.<\/p>\n
France is the only one of the five most populous European Union countries not to have a 5G service commercially available, with operators in Germany, the UK, Spain and Italy launching in major urban hubs last year.<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/top-three\/france-signs-off-5g-sale-terms-confirms-pricing\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
French communications regulator Arcep opened applications for its sale of 5G suitable frequencies, with operators …<\/p>\n
The post France fires starting gun on 5G race<\/a> appeared first on Mobile World Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n