Reform of radio frequency usage fees

Decree No. 2007-1532 of 24 October 2007 overhauls the fees paid by holders of frequency usage licences granted by the telecoms regulator (ARCEP): an annual fee for making frequencies available and an annual management fee covering the State's costs, calculated on scales that take account notably of bandwidth, frequency band and area covered. Decree No. 2007-1531 of the same day creates the management fee. Amounts paid by 2G and 3G mobile operators remain set by their licence terms. The new regime takes effect on 1 January 2008, except for fixed point-to-point services (other than broadcasters), to which it applies from publication.