Annual Report 1999 : summary
volume 2 (june 2000)
PART ONE: ART ACTIVITIES IN 1999
Introduction: Opinions and decisions issued by ART in 1999
Chapter I: Statistical monitoring of the market
1. Mobile Communications Observatory
B. Performances of the three operators
B. Initial results: figures for 1998
1. Fixed networks and telephony
A. Licence applications examined and licences issued by the end of 1999
A. A pragmatic and progressive method, in collaboration with operators
B. Main conclusions from the trials
C. Description and explanation of the calls for applications framework
1. General mechanism for introducing the wireless local loop in France
2. Description of frequency resources
3. Why have calls for applications?
4. Principles followed by ART when drafting the calls for applications framework
5. Explanation of the choice of frequency quantity per operator in calls for applications in metropolitan France
a. Two allocations of 15 MHz duplex in the 3.5 GHz band coupled with frequencies in the 26 GHz band
b. Two complementary allocations of 112 MHz duplex in the 26 GHz band
c) Mixed use of channels in the 26 GHz band by point-to-multipoint and point-to-point systems
6. Explanation of the choice of geographical division for frequency allocations
A. Licences in preparation or issued by the end of 1999
B. Round table on incoming calls
C. Survey on service quality in mobile telephone networks
E. Third-Generation Mobile Telephony
1. Third-generation mobile systems
2. The key stages in 3G systems planning in France
a. Reminder of the work done by the CCR/UMTS group
b. The public consultation on the introduction of UMTS
3. Regulatory framework for the introduction of third-generation mobile systems
F. Satellite Personal Communication Systems (S-PCS)
4. Independent networks and radio installations
A. Network licences awarded by application of Article L. 33-2
1. Wireline independent networks
2. Fixed-service radio networks
3. Professional mobile radio networks
b. Networks using trunked 3RP technology for commercial use
c. Independent private radio networks (2RC and 3RP)
B. ART's activities regarding the networks governed by Article L. 33-3
1. Short-range business radio (RPS)
2. Radio local area networks (RLANs)
a. Devices operating in the 868-870 MHz band
4. Road traffic information systems
a. Amateur radio user certificates
b. The repeal by the Conseil d'Etat of ART's decision setting out the conditions for the use of amateur radio installations and the awarding of certificates, and its consequences
Chapter III: Frequency and number assignments
A. European and international work
1 Examining frequency allocation requests
2 Contribution to the work of the advisory committees set up by the National Frequencies Agency
2. Management of the national numbering plan
A. Development of the numbering plan in overseas départements
B. Internet-specific number series
C. Portability of freephone numbers
D. Conditions for using the digit 6
E. Monitoring the obligations of operators authorised to use the E prefix for carrier selection
1. Overview of how the E prefixes for carrier selection are allocated
2. Monitoring respect for the E allocation criteria after 18 months
Chapter IV: Interconnection and network access
1. Operators with significant market power ("SMP operators")
3. Approval of the standard interconnection offer for 2000
A. A further cut in basic interconnection tariffs
B. Priority given to Internet access
C. Introduction of carrier preselection
2. Preselection available for all users connected to the France Télécom network as of 17 January 2000.
D. Reduced interconnection set-up time
E. New facilities for special services access
G. The international component of the standard interconnection offer
4. International interconnection
Chapter V: Assessment of terminal equipment conformity
1. Transposition of the directive
2. Preparing the future regulatory framework
Chapter VI: The universal service
1. Cost of the universal service
C. Role of ART in evaluating the cost of the universal service and operators' contributions
2. Evaluation of the cost of providing the universal service in 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000
3. Means of financing the universal service
A. The transition to a new financing regime
1. Distribution of the "geographic cost"
2. Distribution of the cost of social tariffs, providing a nationwide payphone service and a directory and directory enquiries service
Chapter VII: Pricing regulation
2. Opinions on France Télécom tariff decisions
A. Trends in basic telephone tariffs in 1999
1. Price trends specific to telephony and the associated services
C. Corporate and professional telephone services
a. For professionals (Avantage range)
F. Advanced services, freephone and shared-cost numbers
Chapter VIII: Relations with the competition authority
1. Number of opinions given or received
2. The main opinions transmitted to the competition authority in 1999
3. The opinions received from the competition authority by ART
Chapter IX: settlement of disputes and penalties
1. 3A Média vs. France Télécom
a. The subject of the dispute and the parties' demands
2. Spacetel vs. France Télécom
a. The subject of the dispute and the parties' demands
3. The Court of Appeal upholds the Spacetel - France Télécom ruling
B. Interconnection conditions for incoming calls to mobile phone networks: SFR vs. France Télécom
C. Interconnection conditions for incoming calls to the Cegetel Entreprises network
D. Interconnection protection at local exchanges in the France Télécom network
E. Third-party collection of traffic to 3BPQ numbers
A. Procedures initiated under Article L.36-11
2. The ruling rejecting the complaint of First Télécom against France Télécom
1.Conditions for France Télécom's use of the carrier selection digit "8"
Chapter X: Regulation and consumers
2.Enforcing the regulations: monitoring operators' activities
A. Studying the behaviour of participants
B. Correspondence from consumers
1. Legal basis for ART's actions
2. Analysis by market type of the main difficulties encountered by consumers
Chapter XI: European and international activities
3. International organisations
2. The consequences of standardisation
1. General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
2. Location services: a budding, high-potential market
3. Mobile electronic commerce: the SIM card
PART TWO: METHOD AND RESOURCES
A. Consultative and specialised committees
B. Public consultations and calls for comments
C. Board hearings, meetings and study groups
B. ART newsletter and publications
2. Revenues collected on behalf of the State
B. Professional training and symposiums
