France’s regulator Arcep has revealed its plans for assigning spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band. It has decided to go ahead with a mixed assignment format whereby some of the spectrum is auctioned to the highest bidder and some is assigned directly to mobile operators.  Read more...

French regulator Arcep is offering temporary licences in the 26 GHz band to companies willing to create "open-access" trials, available for third parties.  Read more...

Recent outcomes in European 5G auctions have raised alarms in the telecoms industry and spectrum assignment processes as we understand them today could soon be a thing of the past.  Read more...

Under the 5G "roadmap" announced on 16 July, France plans to find more spectrum for 5G networks, promote the development of new uses, support the deployment of 5G infrastructure and ensure transparency and dialogue on 5G rollouts. Read more...

In what may be the first use of blockchain for spectrum management, the Agence National des Fréquences (ANFR) and start-up Blockchain Partner are preparing a limited trial of the technology using frequencies at 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz and in other bands. Read more...

NTT Docomo, KDDI and Softbank have cautioned against an over-reliance on bid size when making spectrum awards, as the Japanese government mulls a shake-up in frequency assignments. Read more...

Some policymakers are starting to believe that coverage may be a more important policy objective for spectrum auctions than just filling government coffers. Read more...

France is forging ahead on 4G and 5G rollout, with the regulator making spectrum available in the 3.4-3.8 GHz and 26 GHz bands for 5G trials, and the government unveiling plans to raise money for better rural 4G coverage from extended spectrum licences. Read more...

The huge potential benefits and rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) have encouraged regulators in various countries to formulate relevant policy roadmaps and regulation. Read more...

"HertzViz," an open-data app developed during a May hackathon sponsored by French spectrum regulator ANFR, makes some frequencies visible in order to help construction companies avoid blocking telecoms and internet communications with their equipment. Read more...