France's mobile firms bid on 4G spectrum

France's four main operators submitted bids for frequencies to build fourth-generation mobile telephone networks.

Orange, Bouygues Telecom, SFR and Free all submitted bids for spectrum in the 2.6 gigahertz range, France's Arcep telecommunciations regulator said.

The frequencies, primarily for use in urban areas, were up for bidding at 700 million euros ($972 million), with the results expected in mid-October 2011.

Bids for the 800 megahertz frequencies, more adapted for use in rural regions but carrying a higher price tag of 1.8 billion euros, close on December 15, 2011 with licenses to be awarded in early 2012.

AFP: France's telecom majors in 4G frequency auction