SFR and Bouygues Telecom are authorized to pool their 5G networks
Arcep, namely the telecoms policeman, has given the green light to SFR and Bouygues Telecom for the two operators to pool their 5G networks. They already do this with 2G, 3G and 4G.
On January 23, 2023, Arcep received three new amendments to the sharing agreement, under which it is provided in particular:
- that network pooling, without frequency pooling, initially implemented for 2G, 3G and 4G technologies, is extended to 5G technology. The technical, operational and financial terms relating to the 5G operation of the shared network are specified;
- that further densification of the shared network is planned, with an increase in the number of new sites. The geographic scope remains constant.
The law allows Arcep to request the modification of mobile network sharing contracts if “this is necessary to achieve the objectives mentioned in Article L. 32-1 or to respect the commitments made under the authorizations to use radio frequencies”. In this context, in May 2016 the Authority adopted guidelines for sharing mobile networks. In view of these elements, the Autorité examined the endorsements transmitted by Bouygues Telecom and SFR, and initiated a contradictory phase with the two operators, subject to business secrecy. After in-depth examination, Arcep concludes that it does not appear necessary to ask Bouygues Telecom and SFR to modify their contract.
Concretely, the green light means that SFR and Bouygues Telecom customers will benefit from better 5G coverage almost everywhere in France. However, it is not specified when all this will be in place.
