ARCEP, the telecommunications regulatory authority in France, has published its 5G development plan for the years to come. This press release describes the terms and conditions for granting authorization for certain 5G frequencies, but also a geographical and temporal plan for the deployment of the technology.
This report remains open for contributions until September 4 and will then be proposed in the form of a legal text to the government.
The 3.4 to 3.8 GHz band, the best included for 5G
Several frequency bands have been identified for the deployment of 5G in Europe. But some are more or less effective in terms of flow, range or indoor penetration. There is in particular the 700 MHz band, displaying the best range and the best indoor penetration, but also the 26 GHz band, displaying the best speed, but with very low range.
The 3.4-3.8 GHz band is according to ARCEP the best understood, with good speeds, good range and fairly effective indoor penetration.
© Arcep
5G frequencies will be auctioned by the end of the year in France, with strict supervision from the telecoms authority. Thus, each candidate will have to acquire a frequency band at least equal to 40 MHz, and will be able to reach a maximum of 100 MHz, no more. This should make it possible to respect a certain distribution between operators who are candidates for the auction.
The objectives: roads and cities in 2025
The ARCEP file also offers a 5G deployment schedule:
- In 2020: at least two cities covered by 5G for each operator
- In 2022: 3,000 sites covered by 5G
- In 2024: 8,000 sites
- In 2025: 12,000 sites
This last figure means that within 6 years, the majority of cities in France with several tens of thousands of inhabitants should be covered. In addition, ARCEP would require coverage of motorways for 2025, and main roads in addition to motorways in 2027 (the equivalent of 54,913 km in the country).
Finally, small towns and countryside should also benefit from 5G at the same time. ARCEP expects that 20 to 25% of 5G deployment will be dedicated to low-density areas.
But to enjoy 5G, you will obviously need to have a compatible smartphone. On Apple's side, 5G could be available on iPhone from 2020according to some analysts. If these forecasts are correct and if ARCEP validates its project, it will be possible to surf in 5G from your iPhone in France at the end of next year.
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Editor-in-chief for iPhon.fr. Pierre is like Indiana Jones, looking for the lost iOS trick. Also a long-time Mac user, Apple devices hold no secrets for him. Contact: pierre[a]iphon.fr.
