France launches frequency auction for Caribbean territories

French regulator Arcep launched a frequency assignment procedure for the 900MHz, 1800MHz and 2.1GHz bands in the country's Caribbean territories.

Frequencies in the 1800MHz and 2.1GHz bands will be offered in Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Réunion and Mayotte, while frequencies in the 900MHz band will be made available in Guiana, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin and Mayotte.

The objective is to guarantee a minimum level of superfast mobile coverage, increased mobile coverage aboard vehicles and in priority areas identified by local authorities, as well as to stimulate competition. 

Tender winners should provide outdoor mobile services, and cover 95% of the population of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Réunion and Mayotte by 2030 and 99% by 2035. In Guiana, the obligation is to cover 80% of the population by 2030 and 85% by 2035.

The deadline for submitting tender dossiers is October 1.

See the details in the Documents box in the top-right corner of the screen.

Arcep plans to finish the procedures in the first quarter next year.

Licenses for some blocks are set to expire in April 2025, and the following spectrum blocks on offer become available on May 1:

900MHz 

• 23.4MHz pair of frequencies in Guiana;
• 21MHz pair of frequencies in Saint-Martin;
• 20MHz pair of frequencies in Saint Barthélemy;
• 35MHz pair of frequencies in Mayotte.

1800MHz

• 2x 30MHz in Guiana;
• 2x 35MHz in Guadeloupe;
• 2x 35MHz in Martinique;
• 2x 29.2MHz in Saint-Martin;
• 2x 20MHz in Saint-Barthélemy;
• 2x 45.2MHz in Réunion;
• 2x 33.6MHz in Mayotte.

2.1GHz

• 2x 20.8MHz in Guiana;
• 2x 20.8MHz in Guadeloupe;
• 2x 20.8MHz in Martinique;
• 2x 25.4MHz in Saint-Martin;
• 2x 25.4MHz in Saint-Barthélemy;
• 2x 25.4MHz in Réunion;
• 2x 10.8MHz in Mayotte.

In the 900MHz band, frequencies are assigned through November 21, 2036, in Guiana, Saint-Martin and Saint Barthélemy, and through May 23, 2037, in Mayotte. In the 1800MHz and 2.1GHz bands, frequencies are assigned through November 21, 2036, in all territories.