Orange Belgium & Proximus forge Landmark Partnership to Accelerate Wallonia‘s Gigabit Rollout
Wallonia, belgium – In a move poised to significantly accelerate digital change across the Wallonia region, Orange Belgium and Proximus have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining a collaborative strategy to expand high-speed gigabit network access. This partnership, welcomed by Belgian regulatory bodies, aims to deliver future-proof connectivity to a wider audience, particularly in areas historically underserved by fiber infrastructure.
Addressing the Digital Divide & fueling economic Growth
The agreement recognizes the critical importance of ubiquitous gigabit networks for both economic competitiveness and citizen empowerment. As digital services become increasingly integral to daily life and business operations, ensuring access to high-speed internet – nonetheless of location – is paramount. Both Orange Belgium and Proximus acknowledge that extending fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) coverage beyond major urban centers is vital to prevent a widening digital divide and unlock the full potential of Belgium’s economy. This initiative aligns with broader European investment trends focused on bolstering digital infrastructure.
A Phased, collaborative Approach to FTTH Deployment
The MoU details a strategic, phased rollout of FTTH across Wallonia, designed to maximize efficiency and minimize disruption. The plan encompasses three key deployment areas:
Medium-density Areas (600,000 homes & businesses): Proximus, leveraging its joint venture unifiber (co-owned with Eurofiber), will continue its existing FTTH rollout, progressively extending access to Orange Belgium customers.This builds upon existing infrastructure investments and streamlines expansion.
Low-Density Areas (200,000 homes & businesses): Orange Belgium and Proximus will collaborate on joint FTTH deployments, prioritizing cost-effectiveness and shared infrastructure. Crucially, this will involve reciprocal access to each other’s fiber networks, reducing redundant construction and accelerating timelines.
Sparsely Populated Zones (600,000 homes): Proximus will utilize Orange Belgium’s existing hybrid fiber coax (HFC) network to deliver gigabit services, offering a faster and more economical solution than building entirely new infrastructure.
Minimizing Disruption & Optimizing Investment
Beyond expanding coverage, a core tenet of the partnership is minimizing disruption to residents and optimizing investment. The collaborative approach is projected to:
Reduce construction: By sharing infrastructure and coordinating deployments,the number of new construction sites will be significantly reduced.
Accelerate Deployment: Leveraging existing networks and streamlined processes will expedite the rollout of gigabit connectivity.
Lower Costs: Shared infrastructure and optimized deployment methods will contribute to better cost control.
Improve coordination: Enhanced collaboration with local authorities will ensure smoother project execution and minimize inconvenience for residents.
Regulatory Approval & Future Outlook
The MoU is a direct response to signals from the Belgian federal regulatory body, BIPT, and the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) in October 2023, indicating openness to collaborative initiatives between operators. The specific terms of the agreement are currently under review by the BCA and BIPT, with a formal signing anticipated in the fourth quarter of this year.
Executive Perspectives
“Leadership in network infrastructure is one of the main pillars of our Lead the Future strategy,” stated Xavier Pichon, CEO of Orange Belgium. “Our own HFC network, complemented by agreements with Wyre, already provides 1Gbps access nationwide. This pre-agreement with Proximus will enable more Walloon homes and businesses to access gigabit networks, and ensure a disciplined, optimised and responsible deployment of FTTH network, thereby minimising roadworks and customer disruption.”
Jan Van Acoleyen, CEO ad interim of the Proximus Group, echoed this sentiment: ”Collaboration between operators is a key enabler for speeding up and expanding digitalisation in Belgium. It’s a win-win situation for citizens,businesses and operators. This MoU for Wallonia aligns with similar cooperation dynamics being explored in Flanders, allowing us to optimise investments and offer customers more accessible and lasting gigabit connectivity.”
Implications for the Belgian Digital Landscape
This partnership represents a notable step forward for Belgium’s digital ambitions. By fostering collaboration and leveraging complementary strengths, Orange Belgium and Proximus are demonstrating a commitment to delivering a future-proof network infrastructure that will benefit all stakeholders. The success of this initiative in Wallonia could pave the way for similar collaborations across the country, accelerating the nation’s digital transformation and solidifying its position as a leader in European connectivity.
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