France · Competition
The 60 MHz spectrum remedy behind Orange's Spanish joint venture
The European Commission cleared Orange and MásMóvil's Spanish joint venture in February 2024 subject to a 60 MHz spectrum transfer to Digi and an optional roaming agreement. Orange took full ownership of MasOrange in June 2026.
Sources checked
The 1,800 MHz and 2,100 MHz rows each combine two 10 MHz blocks.
The remedy transferred spectrum rights to a named buyer
The Commission decision identifies Digi as the remedy taker. MásMóvil committed spectrum across three bands. The proposed transfer covered 60 MHz in total, with 20 MHz in each of the three bands. Source 1
Roaming addressed a different requirement
The decision pairs the spectrum divestment with an optional national roaming agreement. The spectrum could support Digi's own network, while the roaming option addressed access to the combined operator's coverage under the specified terms. Source 1
Orange initially held half of the combined business
Orange reported that the Spanish operations formed the 50:50 MasOrange joint venture on 26 March 2024. It subsequently applied equity-method accounting for the investment. The initial transaction combined operating businesses under joint ownership. Source 2
Orange acquired the remaining half in 2026
Orange announced completion of the acquisition of Lorca's 50% stake on 8 June 2026, following a December 2025 binding agreement for EUR 4.25 billion in cash. That purchase changed ownership of the joint venture after its 2024 formation. Source 3