Integrated telecommunications solutions provider Orange today confirmed the commencement of an intensive 3G services testing on its GSM network in Nairobi. Orange is partnering with Ericsson the world's leading provider of 3G and provider of support for networks with over 1 billion subscribers. Ericsson will provide a complete end-to-end solution for the Orange 3 G network including network design, implementation, rollout, testing and operational support.

The 3G service tests by Orange have been initiated ahead of an expected commercial deployment of the firm’s Orange Business Everywhere solution that will afford subscribers the benefits of high speed data communications including video conferencing.
Globally, 3G data services are considered to be the natural evolution of 2G networks into high speed data platforms given that 2G networks were principally developed to provide voice and relatively low speed data connectivity.
Speaking when he confirmed the commencement of 3G trials on the Orange network, Telkom Kenya chief executive officer Mr. Mickael Ghossein said the firm is all set to introduce 3G based services once the requisite green light is given by the sector regulator Communications Commission of Kenya.
In recent weeks, Orange has been actively lobbying the Communications Commission of Kenya (CCK) to consider a proposal to reviewing the US$ 25million license fee charged to local operators wishing to rollout 3G services.
Orange, Ghossein confirmed, is awaiting a positive response from the CCK which will enable the firm to affordably deploy 3G services on a commercial basis.
Ghossein disclosed that Orange is set to become the first GSM operator in Kenya to commercially market video conferencing services upon the granting of a 3G license.
“Orange is highly optimistic that the CCK will grant our wish to reduce the license fees charged for a 3G service rollout as it is currently way out of reach for a growing network like ours and may ultimately deny Kenyans the full advantage of high speed data services,” Ghossein said.
And added: “our commitment to further enhance our network to 3G status, is geared at ensuring sustainable broadband data services use while maintaining our positioning as Kenya’s fully fledged communications supermarket.”
Following the 3G trials commencement, Orange will be seeking to fine tune its network delivery capacity and will be working in partnership with a select team of leading local corporate and enterprises.
While confirming the tests, Ghossein explained that Orange corporate customers will soon be able to access their office intranet platforms over 3G even while away from the office.
“With Business everywhere, corporate customers can surf and access their office networks virtually from anywhere within Kenya and select countries abroad,” Ghossein said.
3G offers a wide range of applications mainly made possible due to the enhanced data rates as a result of the 14.4 MB/S HSPA 3G + features.(Voice + Data) Some of the applications include Video Conferencing, Video on Demand, Tele-medicine, Location Based Services and even mobile TV services.
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About Telkom Kenya
Telkom Kenya is committed to providing innovative, accessible and refreshingly simple communications solutions to its customers. With fixed network, wireless, data, mobile and internet services, Telkom Kenya is the only truly integrated telecommunication solutions provider in the country. Orange Mobile, Orange Fixed Plus and Orange Broadband are Telkom Kenya’s GSM, wireless and internet services provided under its commercial brand, ‘Orange’. The national fixed line service, Telkom Fixed, is provided under the Telkom Kenya brand. Established in 1999 as the nation’s original telecommunications provider, Telkom Kenya continues to have the largest footprint across the country enabling more people to connect, create and come together to achieve more.
For more information please visit www.telkom.co.ke, www.orange.co.ke
About Orange
Orange is the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators. With 123 million customers, the Orange brand now covers Internet, television and mobile services in the majority of countries where the Group operates. At the end of 2008, France Telecom had consolidated sales of 53.5 billion euros (12.7 billion euros for the first quarter of 2009) and at 29 April 2009, the Group had a customer base of almost 184 million customers in 30 countries. These include 123 million mobile customers worldwide and 13 million broadband Internet (ADSL) customers in Europe. Orange is the number three mobile operator and the number one provider of broadband Internet services in Europe and, under the brand Orange Business Services, is one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.
The Group's strategy, which is characterized by a strong focus on innovation, convergence and effective cost management, aims to establish Orange as an integrated operator and benchmark for new telecommunications services in Europe. Today the Group remains focused on its core activities as a network operator, while working to develop its position in new growth activities. To meet customer expectations, the Group strives to provide products and services that are simple and user-friendly, while maintaining a sustainable and responsible business model that can be adapted to the requirements of a fast-paced and changing eco-system.
France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris (compartment A) and on the New York Stock Exchange
For more information: www.orange.com, www.francetelecom.com, www.orange-business.com
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited, Orange France or France Telecom.