Three companies are bidding for France's remaining third-generation, or 3G, mobile frequencies, telecoms regulator Arcep said Tuesday.

France Telecom SA's (FTE) Orange, Vivendi SA's (VIV.FR) SFR and Iliad's (ILD.FR) Free Mobile have filed applications with the regulator.

The auction of the two blocs of 5 megahertz frequencies in the 2.1 gigahertz spectrum band comes after internet operator Iliad SA in January was awarded France's fourth third-generation mobile license.

All operators are in need of more 3G frequencies to boost their network capacity amid increasing usage of data-heavy services such as video via mobile phones.

The minimum price for each frequency lot has been set at EUR120 million.

A decision will be made before the end of May, the regulator said.

-By Ruth Bender and Mimosa Spencer, Dow Jones Newswires; +33 1 40 17 17 54; ruth.bender@dowjones.com
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