Arcep has launched a public consultation on the terms and conditions for the allocation of 5G spectrum in the 700MHz and 3.4GHz-3.8GHz frequency bands in Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Saint Barthelemy, Saint-Martin and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. The regulator highlighted that it has identified the following ranges for 5G use:
• 703MHz-733MHz/758MHz/788MHz (FDD mode)
• 3.4GHz-3.8GHz (TDD mode)
• 24.25GHz-27.50GHz (TDD mode)
Regarding the 700MHz band, Arcep disclosed that it could award only 20MHz in the 700MHz band (703MHz-723MHz/758MHz-778MHz) in Saint-Martin and Saint Barthelemy due to interference issues. Further, Arcep highlighted that parts of the 3.4GHz-3.8GHz band are currently used in the overseas territories for the provision of fixed broadband access: Guadeloupe and Martinique (Canal+ Telecom [expiring in December 2020] and Outremer Telecom [December 2021]); French Guiana (Guyacom [July 2026] and Canal+ Telecom [December 2020]); St Barthelemy (Collectivite de Saint Barthelemy [December 2020]); Saint-Martin (Dauphin Telecom [December 2021] and Orange Caraibe [December 2021]); and Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (Orange [February 2026]). All interested parties are invited to send their contributions before 18 December 2020.