Orange, a leading telecommunications company, has extended its range of connectivity options by introducing satellite internet to its lineup. This new offering, called “Orange Satellite with Nordnet,” aims to provide superfast broadband access to customers in mainland France who are not eligible for fiber and have slow ADSL speeds. The service is operated by Nordnet, an Orange subsidiary specializing in satellite internet.
For €49.99 per month, customers can enjoy unlimited superfast broadband with speeds of up to 200 Mbps downstream and 15 Mbps upstream. The package includes unlimited calls to landlines in mainland France and 50 other destinations, as well as calls to mobiles in mainland France and eight other destinations. There is no need to change phone numbers when subscribing to this offer.
To set up the service, customers will receive a Satellite Kit, which can be self-installed or installed with the assistance of Nordnet and their network of installation partners. The Satellite Kit is available for purchase at €299 or can be rented for €8 per month, with a one-year warranty.
This satellite offer is part of the French government’s “Digital Cohesion of Regions” program, which aims to ensure access to superfast broadband for all French citizens by 2025. It provides a wireless technology solution for homes that do not have access to good wired broadband, with subsidies available to support the upgrade to a better connection.
The service is based on the Eutelsat Konnect VHTS satellite, designed by Thales Alenia Space and launched in September 2022. Weighing 6.5 tons and measuring 9 meters in height, it is the largest European satellite ever created and utilizes electric propulsion for reduced environmental impact.
Jean-François Fallacher, Executive Vice President and CEO of Orange France, expressed pride in the company’s ability to offer superfast broadband access to all customers, including those in remote areas. He emphasized that this new satellite offering is a significant step towards achieving widespread broadband deployment in mainland France.