Orange Launches Nuanua Satellite Project in Wallis and Futuna

Orange
Orange Launches Nuanua Satellite Project in Wallis and Futuna
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This ambitious initiative, meaning "rainbow" in Wallisian, aims to replace the existing satellite infrastructure of the Wallis and Futuna Islands

Luxembourg, Paris, Wallis and Futuna, 28 January 2025 – Orange is pleased to announce the launch of the Nuanua project using SES’s second-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) O3b mPOWER system. This ambitious initiative, meaning "rainbow" in Wallisian, aims to replace the existing satellite infrastructure of the Wallis and Futuna Islands with SES’s cutting-edge technology mPOWER that will enable Orange to deliver high-performance connectivity services.

With an advanced satellite solution capable of delivering significantly higher speeds than existing infrastructure, Nuanua will provide the territory with a reliable, sustainable, and high-performance connectivity solution, complementing the existing connectivity delivered via submarine network. Currently the archipelago is served by one submarine cable which limits internet access for the archipelago’s nearly 12,000 residents in the event of a disruption. This new solution significantly enhances the diversity and resilience of essential connectivity.

Orange, through its subsidiary Orange Wallis & Futuna, is responsible for operating international networks for the Wallis and Futuna Islands on behalf of the French government, under an agreement signed in 1986. As such, it will deploy and operate the Nuanua project. This project is crucial for strengthening the digital sovereignty of Wallis and Futuna. Co-financed by the European Union under the "Connecting Europe Facilities - Digital" programme, this initiative reflects Orange's commitment to connecting remote territories and enhancing essential digital services which encourages economic and social development.

Jean-Louis Le Roux, President of Orange Wallis and Futuna, states: "The Nuanua project showcases the expertise of Orange teams in the satellite domain, particularly their ability to provide secure and resilient connectivity solutions to all our clients. By modernising the infrastructure of Wallis and Futuna, we also demonstrate our commitment to making new investments to develop the digital economy of the territory and meet the growing needs of users."

Nadine Allen, Global Head of Enterprise & Cloud states: “We are delighted to partner with Orange on this important project for sustainable connectivity. This initiative will use the high-performance of SES’s O3b mPOWER to modernise Wallis and Futuna's existing satellite network. With the system's capacity to scale up, we are excited to assist in accelerating digital inclusion in the Pacific region.”

The project build-out, expected to last six months, is anticipated to be operational by the end of the first half of 2025. Additionally, solar panels will be installed over an area of 170 m² to optimise the power supply for the installations and reduce the carbon footprint of the Orange group.

Image caption: Orange Wallis & Futuna Satellite station

For further information please contact:

Suzanne Ong
Communications 
Tel. +352 710 725 500
[email protected]

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

 

 

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). 
For more information on the internet and on your mobile: www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com and the Orange News app or to follow us on X: @orangegrouppr. 
Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trademarks of Orange or Orange Brand Services Limited. 

Orange press contact: 
Ibtissame Nafii: [email protected]
Krista Stephens: [email protected]