The operator will obtain more spectrum on the 900 MHz band at the beginning of 2025. Its desire is to use part of it in the fourth generation, which is the first of its kind. This development will also allow it to free up more 700MHz frequencies in 5G.
Announced in October 2018 as part of the new deal, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile, Orange and SFR will become 8.7MHz duplex carriers from December 2024 on the 900MHz band. During the Free Community Day, the operator re-allocated frequencies in this band that today it uses only for 3G.
Finally, Free Mobile announces that it will obtain this additional spectrum in February 2025. But what will it do with it? “The idea is to use part of 4G at 900 MHz to free up up to 700 MHz for 5G.” So this comes at a good time for the former troublemaker who is deploying the 700MHz band widely in 5G with the aim of also using it on 5G SA in conjunction with the 3.5GHz band.
In 2021, following the same decision by Arcep to reallocate the 900 MHz frequencies more equitably, Free benefited from a first spectrum gain of 7.6 MHz in the 900 MHz band, compared to 5 MHz previously.
These low frequencies, which penetrate buildings well, are in use in 27,633 locations as of October 1, 2024, according to the National Agency for Frequencies (ANFR). Today it is the only band used by the operator to provide 3G service throughout the country. If Free Mobile hasn't yet decided on an end date for its 3G service, it says it's technically ready. When the third generation of mobile phones ends, the operator will be able to reallocate this band to 4G, thus allowing optimal use of 700 MHz in 5G.
This article has been reprinted on the Univers FreeBox website
