Orange 3G update at 3GSM - 3G launch in second half of 2004
February 23, 2004
Orange today delivered a 3G strategy update in which it announced commercial trials of the network in the UK and France, the creation of nine 3G Developer Centres across the globe, and confirmed that it is on track to launch full commercial 3G services to customers in France and the UK in the second half of 2004.
Speaking at the Orange press conference in Cannes, Thierry Breton, Chairman of Orange and Chairman and CEO of France Telecom, commented, "By announcing the launch of our 3G wireless services in France and the UK later this year, we reaffirm the importance of broadband, both fixed line and mobile, to the France Telecom Group strategy. Thanks to our integrated approach, our customers will benefit from seamless services across our fixed-line, wireless and internet networks."
Sanjiv Ahuja, Chief Operating Officer of the Orange Group, said: "This year, Orange delivers on its promise of an enhanced network, giving customers the speed and richness of services that will transform their Orange device into a powerhouse of mobile applications and services, accessible at the touch of a button.
"We are working with hundreds of industry partners and innovative companies behind the scenes to deliver an unrivalled Orange Experience across this new mobile landscape."
Commercial Update
Orange announced a number of customer trials taking place across Europe and demonstrated its live 3G network in Cannes for the first time.
The Orange France trials, known as 'Villes Orange 3G' are also underway in the cities of Lille and Toulouse, testing the Orange 3G offering with existing Orange customers. A total of 4,000 Orange users are involved in the trials which is evaluating all aspects of the customer's experience including customer services, sales and distribution, devices, services and content as well as pricing and tariffs. For a minimal additional monthly charge, customers have access to a range of services including video calling and unlimited access to multi-media content. The key learnings from the 'Villes Orange 3G' will be used across the Orange Group, complimenting existing trials that are taking place in other markets such as the UK.
Orange currently has the most widespread integrated 2G/3G network across the UK, with over 40 per cent population coverage. This includes 10 cities such as London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Bristol as well as key transport routes. Extensive developer trials have been underway since mid-2003 and customer trials are currently taking place. Full commercial launch in both the UK and France is due for the second half of this year.
Orange 3G Developer Centres
Orange also announced the launch of its Orange 3G Developer Centres which will open across the world in 2004. The centres will provide third party developers with the resources to utilise a range of Orange devices and connect to the 3G network in a dedicated laboratory to develop innovative and exciting applications for customers.
Each centre will be equipped with an Orange device lab, meeting spaces, and an interactive 3G demo environment. They will enable developers and business managers to:
- Upload and test their service with Orange handsets
- Experience 3G via interactive demonstrations
- Meet Orange representatives to discuss future applications
The nine Orange 3G Developer Centres will be located in the UK, France, Thailand, the Netherlands, China, Japan and three in the USA. The centres in the UK (Maidenhead), France (Velizy), and Thailand (Bangkok) are ready for developers to use today. The other centres will be launched throughout the year. Orange will also be launching a web-based "Virtual Developer Centre" as an extension to the Orange Developer Programme.
Sanjiv Ahuja commented: "We are focused on supporting developers working in the 3G arena, and with the Orange 3G Developer Centres, we will be able to give that community vital access to the enhanced Orange network as well as tools and support, which will in turn stimulate the creation of exciting new applications for our customers. Six of the Orange 3G Developer Centres will be based within Alcatel's 3G Reality Centres, allowing us and the developer community to build key relationships."
Alcatel, Nokia and Nortel working together
Following a thorough evaluation and tender process during 2003, Orange selected Alcatel, Nokia and Nortel as Orange partners in the deployment of 3G radio access network (RAN) technology infrastructure across the Orange footprint. Orange has been working with Alcatel and Nokia in the United Kingdom and Alcatel, Nokia and Nortel Networks in France to build a robust, interoperable UMTS network infrastructure that will ensure a consistent experience for Orange customers across the Orange footprint.
Ahuja concluded: "We are focused on delivering a mobile broadband-style experience through the Orange 3G network, whether that be on a phone, a laptop, or some other device. Our objective is to establish an industry standard for services, quality, reliability and performance in the UMTS and other technology environments. We are focused on leveraging the capabilities of 3G technology to launch world class services to our customers across the Orange Group."
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