French telecoms regulator Arcep is reportedly mulling an option to allow mobile operators to renew certain mobile spectrum licences early, in exchange for commitments to increase coverage in underserved areas, Reuters writes. The watchdog is said to be in discussion with the government over the potential extension of the rights for utilising 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2100MHz frequencies ahead of their expiry in 2021. Arcep head Sebastien Soriano said discussions are also underway with operators over a ‘very significant’ increase in 4G coverage requirements for rural zones, in return for early spectrum renewal.