Following the cancellation of the tender for the country’s fourth 3G licence last year, the French government has announced its decision about UTMS frequencies and its 4G strategy. The remaining available spectrum in the 2.1 GHz band will be divided into three blocks of 5 MHz each, with one reserved for a new operator. The tender for the 2.1 GHz band will start in February, with the goal to assign the frequencies by the end of 2009. Next month, the ARCEP also plans to launch a public consultation on the application procedures for the allocation of both 2.6 GHz band and the digital dividend spectrum.

At a press conference at Matignon this morning, the Prime Minister announced a global strategy for 3G and 4G mobile:

• 4G: ARCEP will launch a public consultation by end February 2009 on the conditions and methods for an application procedure for both the 2.6 GHz band and the digital dividend sub-band.
• fourth 3G licence: at the same time, ARCEP will open an application procedure for the remaining 2.1 GHz frequencies, with three lots of 5 MHz each, with ONE lot reserved for a new entrant. The Parliamentary debate required by law will be organised in February. The goal is to assign frequencies by the end of 2009.