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French Given 3G Sharing Ultimatum
(16 Apr 2009, BWCS Staff)Arcep, the French telecoms regulator, has asked the country's trio of 3G operators to sort out a network sharing agreement between themselves, or it will step in. Arcep has reportedly set the end of the year as the deadline for the three to reach a framework agreement on sharing their base stations. The regulator also expects an agreement on geographic areas where they can share services by the middle of June this year.
Arcep is keen that Bouygues, Vodafone and Orange should share 3G mobile base stations, towers and masts as much as possible in order to reduce the environmental impact of these constructions. However, the regulator also wants the three to share electronic equipment wherever possible.
Arcep also says that the framework agreement must foresee the possible entry of a new 3G network operator on equitable terms. Operators say they are already sharing up to 40% of their passive installations. If the operators do not come to an agreement by the end of the year, the regulator will set the conditions.
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