Orange Partners with Eutelsat to Expand Satellite Connectivity in Africa and the Middle East
Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and Eutelsat have announced a strategic partnership to bridge the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East through satellite broadband connectivity. The collaboration aims to expand internet access to underserved and remote areas, reinforcing regional digital inclusion.
Leveraging EUTELSAT KONNECT for Expanded Coverage
As part of this multi-year partnership, Orange will leverage the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite, which provides state-of-the-art broadband technology, to deliver reliable and accessible internet services. The initial deployment will focus on Jordan, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans for gradual expansion across the region.
By combining Orange’s telecommunications expertise with Eutelsat’s advanced satellite solutions, the partnership will support individuals (B2C) and businesses (B2B), ensuring secure, high-performance connectivity in areas beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure. Integrating fixed, mobile, and satellite technologies will further enhance digital inclusion efforts.
Key Benefits of the Partnership
The collaboration will introduce high-speed broadband solutions with speeds of up to 100 Mbps, addressing critical connectivity challenges by:
- Extending coverage to remote and rural areas
- Providing tailored solutions for individuals and enterprises
- Ensuring secure, reliable connectivity in compliance with national regulations
This initiative aligns with Orange’s long-term vision to drive digital transformation in the region using the most advanced technologies while promoting local digital ecosystems.
Industry Leaders on the Strategic Collaboration
Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Middle East and Africa, emphasised the importance of this initiative in enhancing regional digital access:
“This partnership illustrates our commitment to connecting all territories and bridging the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East. Today, Orange serves more than 160 million customers in the region and remains dedicated to expanding digital accessibility. Our expertise and strong local presence position us as a key player in delivering sustainable and regulatory-compliant connectivity.”
Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, highlighted the strategic nature of the partnership:
“This collaboration with Eutelsat strengthens a long-term relationship and aligns with our strategy to provide the best satellite connectivity solutions across high and low orbits, complementing our terrestrial networks. Orange Wholesale’s satellite expertise ensures seamless integration for all Orange Group entities while offering terrestrial connectivity solutions to satellite operators.”
Cyril Dujardin, President of the Connectivity Business Unit at Eutelsat Group, reinforced the impact of satellite technology in driving digital inclusion:
“Our GEO satellite technology and Orange’s extensive local footprint address connectivity gaps in the most underserved areas. We are delivering a robust, reliable, and affordable solution for consumers and businesses alike.”
Expanding Orange’s Satellite Capabilities
Orange is already a key customer of Eutelsat’s KONNECT VHTS satellite, which it uses to provide broadband services to its subscribers in France. This latest partnership extends Orange’s satellite connectivity strategy to Africa and the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality, scalable connectivity solutions. As digital transformation accelerates across the region, satellite technology will be increasingly crucial in ensuring universal broadband access, supporting economic growth, and enabling new opportunities for businesses and communities.
This article was originally published on Eutelsat’s website on March 4, 2025. Read the original article here.