10 months after the end of Orange roaming, the activation of Free Mobile on the 2G network began with the launch of a new service in the region.
To make non-VoLTE calls or read their emails where they are not picked up, Free Mobile subscribers use Orange’s 2G and 3G network. This is called roaming. This contract is extended for two years in 2020, and this contract connecting the operators expires on December 31.
Orange marginal roaming represents only 1% of the total number of Free Mobile subscribers. But then why is it necessary? Xavier Niel gave a tentative response at the end of 2020 before the National Assembly’s Committee on Economic Affairs: “The roaming contract is 3G as we have data that goes at the speed of 2G data, moreover, we found ourselves having a difficulty, which is that Free n there is no 2G in France, yet we have 2G subscribers “.
As with all mobile network operators, a number of customers today do not own 3G, 4G or 5G smartphones. Today, everything indicates that Free Mobile wants to anticipate the end of roaming by finally deploying 2G in France. In January, the National Frequency Agency authorized it to reuse its 900MHz 3G frequency to deploy 2G in 360 locations, mainly in New Aquitaine around Bordeaux. But also in Paris. In the capital, 4 antennas were recently activated, including 2 located inside the main office of the parent company of Free, which indicates that preliminary tests have been carried out on this 25-year-old technology.
Xavier Niel appears to be on the move now, this time igniting several 2G sites in the Gironde. As a member of our partner RNC Mobile, Vache GTI has already been able to connect to the free 2G network in its sector. It couldn’t be more clear today, the spread is being launched gradually. Free Mobile currently has more than 21,700 3G sites that support the 900MHz band. It remains to be seen to what extent the operator is willing to reallocate this spectrum.
Tweet at 2G Free lol pic.twitter.com/JluIDE6K7C
– 🐄 VacheGTI © Official ツ 🌍 (vachegti) March 2, 2022
