French telecoms regulator Arcep has adopted a decision authorising mobile operator Orange to use the 2100MHz band for LTE services, following the cellco’s July 2017 request to allow technological neutrality in the band.
Arcep launched a tender for four UMTS concessions in the 2100MHz band in December 2000. The authority revealed in February 2001 that it had received two formal applications by the 31 January deadline, with Orange France and SFR subsequently granted 3G concessions in August 2001. In December Arcep re-launched the contest for the remaining two licences, and the sole bidder, Bouygues Telecom, was awarded a 2100MHz concession in September 2002.
