Orange Africa and Middle East (OMEA) has joined forces with Eutelsat to tackle the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East through satellite connectivity. This strategic partnership aims to enhance broadband access in remote areas, promoting digital inclusion across these regions.
Under this multi-year collaboration, Orange will leverage the Eutelsat Konnect satellite, which employs advanced broadband technology to deliver dependable Internet services. The initial rollout will target countries such as Jordan, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with aspirations to expand services throughout the region.
This initiative is designed to deliver customised offerings for both consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B), ensuring secure, reliable, and high-performance connectivity. Integrating fixed, mobile, and satellite technologies will aid in connecting underserved areas and addressing the increasing demand for Internet access.
By utilising state-of-the-art solutions that deliver speeds up to 100 Mbps, alongside Orange’s extensive experience, the partnership will enhance coverage in rural and underserved areas. The goal is to provide specialised services tailored to the unique needs of individuals and enterprises while maintaining compliance with national regulations and fostering local ecosystems. This initiative aligns with Orange’s long-term vision of promoting digital development across its operational territories, utilising cutting-edge technologies while respecting local frameworks.
Jérôme Hénique, Managing Director of Orange Africa and Middle East, expressed, “This partnership underscores our dedication to connecting all communities and closing the digital gap in Africa and the Middle East. Currently, Orange serves over 160 million customers in the region and is committed to ensuring everyone has digital access. With our local expertise, we aim to evolve alongside customer needs while providing sustainable connectivity that adheres to local laws.”
Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, remarked: “We are thrilled about this strategic partnership with Eutelsat, which builds on our longstanding relationship. Our goal is to offer superior satellite connectivity solutions in high and low orbits that complement our terrestrial networks. Orange Wholesale’s satellite factory possesses all the necessary expertise to execute this strategy across the entire Orange Group while also providing satellite operators with essential terrestrial connectivity solutions like teleports and long-distance fibre.”
Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat, added: “Our satellite technology, including GEO capacity, when combined with Orange’s local presence, provides connectivity exactly where it is most needed. Together, we are developing a comprehensive solution to accessibility issues, ensuring reliable and affordable connectivity for consumers and businesses.”
Orange is already utilising Eutelsat’s Konnect VHTS satellite as a key resource for delivering broadband services to its customers in France.
