Orange Côte d’Ivoire Unveils Satellite Internet Service to Connect Remote Communities
Orange Côte d’Ivoire has unveiled Orange Sat, a satellite broadband Internet service developed in partnership with Eutelsat, representing a significant milestone in the operator’s commitment to digital inclusion across the nation.
Orange Sat utilises Eutelsat’s KONNECT satellite platform to extend high-speed Internet access beyond the reach of fibre and mobile networks, specifically targeting rural and hard-to-access areas. The service completes Orange Côte d’Ivoire’s connectivity portfolio, combining fibre, mobile broadband, and now satellite, to address the geographical and economic realities of the country.
Despite high mobile network coverage rates in Côte d’Ivoire, with 2G, 3G, and 4G networks covering 98.9%, 98.3%, and 93.7% of the population, respectively, according to the International Telecommunication Union, satellite technology enables Orange to extend coverage to areas that networks have previously struggled to serve. The service targets both underserved communities and high-demand users such as remote workers and businesses seeking reliable connectivity for data-intensive applications.
Addressing Persistent Digital Inequality
According to Data Reportal, at the start of 2025, internet penetration in Côte d’Ivoire stood at 39.6% of the total population, with 12.8 million internet users. Additionally, the number of internet users increased by 306,000 (+2.4%) between January 2024 and January 2025, highlighting both progress and the substantial gap that remains.
By connecting previously underserved white zones, Orange Côte d’Ivoire aims to contribute to the development of economic activities, improve access to essential services, and foster the emergence of new digital uses across the country. The service is set to empower businesses and education, contributing to the country’s ever-improving digital inclusion.
Part of a Broader Regional Strategy
The launch is part of a multi-year strategic partnership between Orange Middle East and Africa (OMEA) and Eutelsat, signed last year, to bridge the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East through satellite broadband connectivity. The initial deployment focuses on Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with plans for gradual expansion across the region.
Philippe Baudrier, Vice President Connectivity, Africa at Eutelsat, commented: “There is no clearer example of how satellite can help to bridge the digital divide than the work we are doing alongside our partners across the vast continent of Africa. By working with Orange Côte d’Ivoire, KONNECT is helping to improve national infrastructure and extend reliable internet access to communities that have historically been difficult to serve, supporting inclusion, resilience and long-term digital development.”
Eutelsat noted that by combining satellite connectivity with existing fibre, 4G, and mobile broadband infrastructure, Orange is providing a substantial expansion in internet coverage over Côte d’Ivoire, supporting access to essential digital services.
Building on Senegal’s Success
This partnership follows the successful launch of Sonatel Orange’s satellite-based internet services in Senegal, officially rolled out on 10 December 2025. That initiative positioned Orange as the first telecommunications operator in Senegal to deliver near-universal internet coverage through a strategic combination of satellite connectivity, fibre-optic networks, and mobile broadband technologies, providing unlimited high-speed internet access to both households and businesses.
Strategic Positioning Ahead of Competition
The launch of Orange Sat comes ahead of expected satellite Internet competition from providers such as Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. By establishing its satellite offering early, Orange strengthens its position in Côte d’Ivoire’s internet market whilst demonstrating its commitment to nationwide connectivity.
“Our ambition: to connect all Ivorians, wherever they are,” Orange Côte d’Ivoire stated, underscoring the company’s vision for comprehensive digital inclusion across the nation.