French UMTS licence procedure due in six weeks

NEWS The French government will announce in six weeks the method it will use to distribute the four UMTS licences. Speaking at the national assembly Laurent Fabius, finance minister, said the licences would be issued either through a beauty contest or an auction. Fabius said: "We have to ensure the choice we make will allow operators not only to move up a gear but also offer good services. The process should not be reserved for only big companies and conglomerates but to ensure that small companies and all of France are served." He said he had to weigh up all the pros and cons before a decision can be made. At the end of April, Christian Pierret, Industry Secretary, said he was considering charging a rental fee as well as an entry fee to the bidding process.