3G network: possible sanctions Arcep
The Regulatory Authority for electronic communications and postal services would intend to notice the two operators SFR and Orange (France Telecom subsidiary) to complete their networks of third generation mobile (3G) in France, under penalty of a fine record, according to the daily Les Echos.
In case of insufficient coverage of the French population in 3G network. In August 2009, the mobile network SFR 3G covered nearly 80% of the population then it should have covered 99.3%, according to the obligations of the license. As the Orange 3G network, it covered 83% of the French population in late September when he should have covered 98%.The two operators had obtained their licenses mobile third generation – UMTS license – in 2001.
As provided in the Act to modernize the economy since 2007, Arcep could, if the operators fail to comply, impose a penalty of up to 600 to 700 million euros per operator. Such a fine should push the two operators to act and to increase national coverage or at least encourage them to think seriously.
Constant pressure on Arcep
The digital development planning is a growing concern among French and their elected representatives, who exercise a constant pressure on Arcep to make it comply with the commitments made by operators in obtaining their licenses.The network coverage of Bouygues Telecom, which won the third UMTS license a year and a half after Orange and SFR will be verified later, again according to Les Echos.
Both operators will nevertheless defend keep the ill will in recent months. SFR said that the delay in the coverage area is due to technical difficulties of reusing frequencies from 2G to 3G while Orange himself, highlights the difficulty of installing antennas for the delay.
This case must surely be followed closely by the applicants for the fourth mobile license, while the debate is currently raging on the details of its acquisition.The Bouygues Telecom has announced on Wednesday it had filed two appeals with the State Council to challenge the award procedure for the fourth license for mobile phones it deems anticompetitive.
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