Operator News

The Way to a European Super-Telco?

  • PDF

Telekom OrangeDeutsche Telekom and France Telecom-Orange announce their collaboration in a defined set of technology fields-- possibly leading to a European super-telco. 

The 2 companies will work together on sharing European radio access networks, improving users' roaming wifi experience, equipment standardisation, M2M standards, quality of cross-border services and technical cooperation on home media servers, cross-border e-Health service development, connected car technology and technical enablers for TV and video services. 

The agreement's first result is an M2M co-operation agreement, setting service quality and standards for cross-border machine communications. The companies say this will facilitate the development of e-Energy, e-Health, connected home and connected car service-- bringing about the "internet of things".

Countries covered by the new M2M standards are France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg, and the agreement includes all mobile network operators affiliate with the 2 companies. It will also eventually expand globally through partnerships with other network operators. 

Go Deutsche Telekom and France Telecom-Orange to Explore Areas of Cooperation

Orange Shows New Megastores in France

  • PDF

In the French cities of Lille and Lyon, Orange opens two operator stores, with over 400 m² dedicated to service and the customer experience.

Refering to their newest outlets as "the biggest telecom operator stores in Europe", Orange pioneers a new store concept, putting service at the heart of the customer experience. At least 20 sales staff and 12 techs are on site.

You could call this approach "Apple à l'Orange." These stores, like Apple stores, are service-centric, expansive, and loaded with customer comforts. Quite a change from the typical "squeezed" operator shops where you go to buy a handset or pay your landline bill and feel like you are in a kiosk.

Orange megastore

The Orange megastore wants to encourage visitors in a  “voyage of discovery” and...

  • Take it easy in the wifi lounge so they can “recharge their batteries”
  • Test  Orange products, with full connectivity and unrestricted access
  • Explore four Specialist Areas (TV, music, sport and games)
  • Experiment with tomorrow’s tech in an Innovation Space
  • Deal with usage issues at the “service bar”: product configuration, customer service, express exchange,  diagnostics, device recycling...
  • Take advantage of “private lessons” (training, demonstrations, interactive learning tools...)
  • Find solutions for business needs in the Pro Space
  • Enjoy a vibrant environment with activities and events

Designed by Malherbe Design and Orange, the megastores meet the standards of the WWF's environmental charter.

“At our new megastores, our customers are plunged into the heart of a new and sometimes surprising world. We wanted this exceptional piece of design to focus on comfort, with its fundamental link to the essence of service. We want to be more than a telecoms operator; we want to be a service operator, to be the “personal trainer” in our customers’ digital world,” declares Delphine Ernotte, Executive VP, Orange France.

Go Orange megastores