Document :

ITU-D SG01 RAPPORTEUR GROUP MEETING  Contribution  34

Title :

From the digital dividend to rural connectivity: availability of the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands and how to transform them into effective coverage of underserved areas in Cote d'Ivoire

Date :

2026-08-13

Source :

Cote d'Ivoire

AI/Question :

Q1/1

Meeting :

2026-09-28

Access :

Restricted to TIES users [ITU-D]

Abstract :

The release of the digital dividend represents an important opportunity for developing countries to expand broadband coverage, particularly by facilitating more efficient use of existing infrastructure and reducing the need for deployment in sparsely populated areas. In this regard, C?te d'Ivoire presents a particular situation: as the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands were never used for analogue television, they were available for use by the mobile service, and the roll-out of digital terrestrial television did not require clearing those bands. In 2016, the 800 MHz band was assigned to mobile operators for 4G under the C1A licence. In 2022, the 700 MHz band was allocated to the regulatory authority for 5G assignments but remains unused to date, as 5G is not yet commercially available. The switch-off of analogue television was completed in November 2021. This contribution describes the process undertaken, the regulatory conditions that enabled the conversion of this spectrum resource into effective coverage for rural areas, coverage obligations, infrastructure sharing, rights of way, coverage measurement, and the limitations encountered - particularly the persistent gap between technical coverage and household equipment penetration. It also provides recommendations to Member States undergoing similar transitions.