Orange Launches Nuanua Project to Enhance Connectivity in Wallis and Futuna Using SES’s O3b mPOWER System

(IN BRIEF) Orange has launched the Nuanua project, aiming to replace existing satellite infrastructure in the Wallis and Futuna Islands with SES’s O3b mPOWER system. This initiative will enhance connectivity for the nearly 12,000 residents by providing faster, more reliable internet. The project, which is co-financed by the European Union, is part of Orange’s broader goal of strengthening digital sovereignty and fostering social and economic growth in remote regions. It will also incorporate solar panels to reduce the carbon footprint of the installations. The project is expected to be operational by mid-2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 29-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Orange has launched the Nuanua project, utilizing SES’s next-generation O3b mPOWER system in a bid to enhance connectivity for the Wallis and Futuna Islands. This forward-thinking initiative, meaning “rainbow” in Wallisian, aims to replace the existing satellite infrastructure and elevate connectivity with faster, more reliable performance, thanks to the cutting-edge technology of the mPOWER system.

Strengthening Connectivity for Remote Territories

The Nuanua project will introduce a robust satellite solution capable of delivering significantly higher speeds compared to the current infrastructure, which is limited to a single submarine cable. This upgrade will provide Wallis and Futuna’s 12,000 residents with a more resilient and diverse network, ensuring continuous internet access even in the event of disruptions. This satellite solution will complement the existing submarine network, enhancing the region’s overall connectivity.

As part of its longstanding commitment to digital sovereignty, Orange, through its subsidiary Orange Wallis & Futuna, will deploy and manage this vital project, which is co-financed by the European Union under the “Connecting Europe Facilities – Digital” programme. The project aims to provide an essential digital infrastructure that supports social and economic growth, particularly in remote areas.

Jean-Louis Le Roux, President of Orange Wallis & Futuna, commented, “The Nuanua project demonstrates our technical expertise in satellite connectivity, providing the region with secure, reliable solutions to meet growing digital demands. Through this initiative, we continue to invest in the development of the local digital economy.”

Nadine Allen, Global Head of Enterprise & Cloud at SES, added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Orange on this transformative project. By leveraging SES’s O3b mPOWER system, we are helping to accelerate digital inclusion and modernize Wallis and Futuna’s satellite network, ultimately contributing to sustainable connectivity across the Pacific.”

Environmental Considerations

The project is set to become operational by mid-2025, with a build-out period of approximately six months. In line with its environmental goals, the project will also incorporate solar panels across 170 m² to help power the installations, reducing the carbon footprint of both Orange and the local region.

About Orange
Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with revenues of 39.7 billion euros in 2023 and 128,000 employees worldwide at 30 September 2024, including 71,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 292 million customers worldwide at 30 September 2024, including 253 million mobile customers and 22 million fixed broadband customers. These figures have been restated to account for the deconsolidation of certain activities in Spain following the creation of MASORANGE. The Group is present in 26 countries (including non-consolidated countries).

Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies under the brand Orange Business. In February 2023, the Group presented its strategic plan “Lead the Future”, built on a new business model and guided by responsibility and efficiency. “Lead the Future” capitalizes on network excellence to reinforce Orange’s leadership in service quality.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA).

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Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited.

About SES
SES has a bold vision to deliver amazing experiences everywhere on Earth by distributing the highest quality video content and providing seamless data connectivity services around the world. As a provider of global content and connectivity solutions, SES owns and operates a geosynchronous orbit fleet and medium earth orbit (GEO-MEO) constellation of satellites, offering a combination of global coverage and high performance services. By using its intelligent, cloud-enabled network, SES delivers high-quality connectivity solutions anywhere on land, at sea or in the air, and is a trusted partner to telecommunications companies, mobile network operators, governments, connectivity and cloud service providers, broadcasters, video platform operators and content owners around the world. The company is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges (Ticker: SESG). Further information is available at: www.ses.com

Media Contacts:

Orange:
Krista Stephens
krista.stephens@orange.com

SES:
Suzanne Ong
Communications
Tel. +352 710 725 500
suzanne.ong@ses.com

SOURCE: Orange