Orange has teamed with Eutelsat to bridge the digital divide in Africa and the Middle East through satellite access.

The partnership's goal is to connect isolated communities with internet connectivity, hence increasing digital inclusion in the region.

As part of this multi-year agreement, Orange will provide dependable and accessible Internet access via the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite, which includes broadband technology.

Initially, deployment will include Jordan, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the aim of progressively expanding to all countries in the region.

In a joint statement, the two stated that by combining Orange's telecommunications expertise with Eutelsat's technological innovation in the satellite sector, this partnership will enable them to provide services tailored to both private individuals and businesses, ensuring secure, reliable, and high-performance connectivity.

They went on to say that the complementing characteristics of fixed, mobile, and satellite technology will help to connect far away territories and meet the region's growing need for Internet access.

"The partnership is based on cutting-edge solutions offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which, combined with Orange's capabilities, will make it possible to: cover white and rural areas, provide services tailored to local conditions and the needs of individuals and businesses, and provide reliable and secure connectivity, in compliance with national regulations," read the statement.

Jérôme Hénique, CEO of Orange Africa and the Middle East, commented, "Drawing on our expertise and local roots, we are positioning ourselves as a key player in supporting evolving customer expectations, while ensuring sustainable connectivity that respects local legislation."

While Michael Trabbia, CEO of Orange Wholesale, stated: “It is part of our strategy to offer our customers the best satellite connectivity solutions in high and low orbit, complementing our terrestrial networks. Orange Wholesale's satellite factory has all the expertise required to implement this strategy for all Orange Group entities. We also offer satellite operators the terrestrial connectivity solutions they need, such as teleports or long-distance fibre.”

Cyril Dujardin, president of the Eutelsat Group's Connectivity Business Unit, added, "Together, we're creating a robust solution to accessibility challenges, providing reliable and affordable connectivity for consumers and businesses alike."