French carrier Orange has expanded its broadband connectivity solutions in the domestic market by introducing a new satellite offering. The new service complements Orange’s existing range of connectivity options, including fiber, ADSL, 4G, and 5G. It specifically targets customers who are ineligible for fiber and those with ADSL speeds below 8 Mbps. The satellite service is operated by Nordnet, an Orange subsidiary specializing in satellite internet.
Customers who opt for this new satellite service can enjoy unlimited broadband with download speeds of up to 200 Mbps and upload speeds of 15 Mbps. Orange’s offering aligns with the French government’s Digital Cohesion of Regions program, which aims to provide nationwide access to superfast broadband by 2025. The company stated that households without reliable wired broadband can receive subsidies to access improved wireless connections.
Powered by the Eutelsat Konnect VHTS satellite, the new broadband service is based on cutting-edge technology designed by Thalès Alenia Space and launched aboard the Ariane 5 spacecraft in September 2022. This satellite, the largest in Europe, is part of the next generation of electric propulsion satellites deployed from the all-electric platform developed by Spacebus NEO, with financial support from the European Space Agency and the French Space Agency.
Jean-François Fallacher, Executive Vice President and CEO at Orange France, expressed his pride in the company’s ability to offer superfast broadband access to all customers through its diverse technology mix. He emphasized that the new satellite offering caters to the connectivity requirements of the French population, including those in remote areas.
Earlier this year, Orange secured 500 million euros ($543 million) in financing from the European Investment Bank to support the deployment of 5G networks and enhance 4G coverage in rural parts of France. This financing aligns with Orange’s strategic plan, “Lead the future,” which seeks to capitalize on the company’s existing infrastructure. Orange has already launched 5G services in numerous municipalities across France, covering 60% of the metropolitan population. The commercial launch of 5G initially took place in 15 municipalities in December 2020.