ARCEP to auction 700MHz spectrum

French telecoms regulator ARCEP is to begin auctioning part of the 700MHz spectrum band currently used for digital-terrestrial TV broadcasting in July. 

The move follows a consultation with stakeholders, the results of which were published earlier this week.

Late entrant to mobile Free/Iliad Telecom has already made it known that it wants to be guaranteed part of the new spectrum to create a level playing field with established players Orange, Numericable-SFR and Bouygues Telecom. The existing players have said that Free has already been allocated spectrum in the 800MHz range.