Bouygues Telecom deactivated 4G services on the 2.1GHz frequency band at more than 2,800 cell sites during September 2026, while expanding its 5G footprint on the same spectrum to 19,429 sites, according to France's national frequency agency ANFR.
The changes reduced the French operator's 2.1GHz LTE footprint to 16,154 sites as of 1 October, the smallest among its domestic competitors, while reinforcing its leadership in 5G deployments using the same frequency band.
The contrasting trends highlight a significant shift in how Bouygues Telecom is allocating existing spectrum resources between mobile network generations.
4G footprint falls sharply in September
According to ANFR, Bouygues Telecom switched off 4G services on the 2.1GHz band at more than 2,800 cell sites during September.
By 1 October, the operator had 16,154 sites using the band for LTE services across mainland France.
The reduction represents a substantial monthly contraction in Bouygues Telecom's 2.1GHz LTE footprint, leaving it with fewer sites operating 4G on this frequency than its major competitors.
However, the figures relate specifically to the use of the 2.1GHz band. They do not indicate that Bouygues physically removed thousands of mobile towers or discontinued all 4G services at the affected locations.
Mobile operators can maintain LTE connectivity through other frequency bands even when a particular band is no longer used for 4G.
5G footprint grows to 19,429 sites
While its 4G footprint contracted, Bouygues Telecom continued expanding 5G services on the same frequency band.
ANFR recorded 19,429 sites delivering 5G services on 2.1GHz as of 1 October, an increase of 467 during September.
The expansion strengthened Bouygues Telecom's leading position among French mobile operators in the number of 2.1GHz sites providing 5G connectivity.
Its 5G site count on the band now exceeds its LTE site count by 3,275.
The figures indicate that 2.1GHz is playing an increasingly prominent role in Bouygues Telecom's 5G network configuration.
However, the available data does not establish whether the LTE deactivations and new 5G deployments occurred at the same physical sites.
Existing spectrum takes on a greater 5G role
The changes illustrate how operators can adjust their use of existing frequency bands as mobile network requirements evolve.
The 2.1GHz band has historically supported multiple generations of mobile technology, making it a candidate for reallocating resources between older and newer services.
As demand for 5G increases, operators can progressively dedicate more spectrum resources to the technology while continuing to support LTE through other frequencies.
Such changes can improve spectrum utilisation and support 5G expansion without requiring operators to depend entirely on newly allocated spectrum.
Bouygues Telecom's September figures are consistent with this broader transition, although ANFR's reported site counts do not confirm the precise technical approach used.
The information does not specify whether dynamic spectrum sharing is involved, how much spectrum capacity has been reassigned or whether the changes have produced measurable improvements in 5G performance.
4G shutdowns do not necessarily mean reduced coverage
The reduction in 2.1GHz LTE sites should not be confused with a wider shutdown of Bouygues Telecom's 4G network.
Modern mobile networks commonly use several frequency bands to provide overlapping coverage and capacity.
An operator can therefore discontinue LTE transmissions on one band while maintaining 4G availability through other frequencies at the same location.
Similarly, an increase in the number of sites delivering 5G on a particular frequency does not automatically translate into an equivalent increase in geographic or population coverage.
The available ANFR figures do not provide details on affected locations, alternative LTE frequencies or changes in customer experience.
Source: MEA Tech Watch Press Reporter
