The acquisition of these frequencies is an essential industrial investment that will maintain and strengthen the position acquired by Orange as a leader in mobile networks and to consolidate, with the deployment of a 5G network using these frequencies, its No. 1 position for the benefit of its customers, both retail and B2B.
With 90 MHz, Orange is the French operator with the broadest range of 5G frequencies. Orange is thus strengthening its position as the No. 1 operator with the largest portfolio of frequencies on the French market: 257 MHz of frequencies in total*.
The total price of the 90 MHz acquired by Orange is € 854 million, with payments spread over 4 to 15 years depending on the block.
Orange has attained this leadership in 5G frequencies for a tightly-controlled total amount, testifying to the rigorous management of its resources. This effort has enabled the Group to preserve its ability to invest in the deployment of fibre networks and in the improvement of 4G coverage in rural areas, bringing very high speed broadband across the country.
It is also notable that the total amount remains reasonable compared to other large European countries, such as Germany.
These frequencies in the core 5G band will make it possible to fully exploit this technology and to offer new high-performance services to individuals and businesses. By providing 10 times greater spectral and energy efficiency, these frequencies will also support growth in uses throughout the current decade. The amount of spectrum that Orange has obtained in this band will allow it to offer the best 5G experience to its customers.
Commenting on these results, Stéphane Richard, Chairman and CEO of Orange, said: “With these auctions, we have just taken an essential step forward in making the networks of the future a reality. We are very satisfied with the way this auction process went; the result is well balanced and encourages operators to invest. With 90 MHz of 5G spectrum, Orange will be able to consolidate its leadership in mobile networks and will develop an efficient 5G network, a guarantee of attractiveness and competitiveness in France ".
(*) 90 MHz of 3.5 GHz plus 2 x 83.5 MHz in other bands, from August 2021.