Bouygues is currently negotiating a possible takeover by Orange
French operator Bouygues Telecom is negotiating the sale of certain assets to rival operators Iliad and Numericable-SFR, Fench newspaper Les Echos reports, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
According to the report, Bouygues Telecom needs to sell some assets to satisfy competition concerns in regards to Bouygues’ takeover by compatriot Orange France.
“On these issues, negotiations have advanced and an agreement is almost done with SFR and Iliad,” Les Echos reports. This latter operates in the mobile segment through its mobile unit Free. The report states the two French telecom firms are set to acquire spectrum, network infrastructure and subscribers as part of the deal.
In January 2016, French state-controlled telecommunications group Orange signed a confidentiality agreement with Bouygues to acquire the latter’s telecom business for 10 billion euros ($11.10 billion) in cash and shares. According to previous reports, the negotiations are expected to conclude by the end of this month.
Bouygues Telecom’s LTE network currently covers approximately 72% of the French population. Bouygues launched LTE services in 2013 using spectrum in the 800 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. Orange initially launched its LTE offering in November 2012, with the service currently offered through the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands.
Ofcom looks to free 700 MHz spectrum for mobile data
U.K. regulator Ofcom is asking for comments plans to free 25 megahertz of spectrum in the 700 MHz band for mobile broadband services. The 700 MHz band is currently used by digital terrestrial TV services, with Ofcom looking to transition the spectrum for mobile broadband operators by mid-2020.
Initial plans indicated it would be possible to make the band available by the end of 2021, however Ofcom analysis suggests the benefits would be greater if it was available sooner.
Ofcom’s comment period on the topic is due to close May 20.
