ARCEP drafted a proposal for the award of spectrum in the 3.4–3.8GHz band.
Background: The 3.4– 3.8GHz band is a core band for 5G in Europe. Regulators in several countries have already awarded spectrum in this band, or are about to do so. In France, the 5G roadmap published by the government in July 2018 foresaw the launch of a public consultation on the auction of 3.4– 3.8GHz spectrum in the Summer 2019, with a view to launch the allocation procedure by the Autumn of the same year.
The proposal: ARCEP is consulting on a proposal built around the four objectives specified by the Government in a letter it sent to ARCEP in May 2019: regional development, so that 5G services benefit every region; competition, in that the procedure must result in at least four operators capable of providing 5G services under good conditions; innovation and services for verticals, to provide them with services that take their particular needs into consideration; and revenue, in that the procedure will include a financial criterion, with a reserve price set by the Government.
What will the consultation address? One aspect is related to the spectrum cap ARCEP wants to set for the award. It will be at least 40MHz per operator, and not more than 100MHz. Licences will also be subject to coverage requirements for both urban and sparsely populated areas, the details of which will be defined by the outcome of the consultation. The rights of use are proposed to last 15 years, with a possible extension by another five years.
Next steps: Stakeholders have until 4 September 2019 to respond.
