The Authority of Regulation for Electronic Communications and Posts (Autorite de Regulation des Communications Electroniques et des Postes, Arcep) has concluded the examination phase of its procedure to award 5G spectrum in the French overseas territories of Reunion and Mayotte. The process was kickstarted on 3 August 2021 and the deadline for applications was 12 October.
In Reunion the watchdog has received bids from Orange, Societe Reunionnaise du Radiotelephone (SFR Reunion), Telco OI (Free Reunion) and Zeop Mobile. The regulator said that all four companies are qualified to receive spectrum in the 700MHz and 3.4GHz-3.8GHz bands. Orange, SFR and Telco OI would be awarded 100MHz each in the 3.4GHz-3.8GHz band, while Zeop Mobile would receive 80MHz. Regarding the 700MHz band, the four candidates have subscribed to the four commitments provided for in the specifications and will be able to obtain, at the end of this procedure, a block of 2×5MHz spectrum each. Further, the four companies are also authorised to participate in the auction phase for the allocation of two blocks of 2×5MHz spectrum still available in the 700MHz band.
In Mayotte, meanwhile, Orange, SFR Mayotte, Telco OI Mayotte and Maore Mobile have qualified for the 700MHz allocation procedure, with each set to obtain 2×5MHz in the band. Maore Mobile and Telco OI Mayotte have also qualified for 900MHz spectrum. Maore Mobile also obtained 1.6MHz duplex in the 900MHz band as part of the 5MHz duplex block building phase in the 900MHz band.
The watchdog expects to hand over the frequency authorisations by March 2022.