2007

Paris, Nov. 30, 2007

 

 

Orange Business Services won Best Global Operator and Best Project Management at the World Communication Awards 2007 annual gala dinner at London’s Hilton Hotel on Nov. 28.

 

The awards, with 46 operators being short listed from nearly 200 entries, recognize significant achievements and developments in the global telecoms industry. Orange Business Services was short listed seven times in the 12 award categories.

 

For the second consecutive year, Orange Business Services was named Best Global Operator. The winning entry showed that Orange Business Services offers not only the unparalleled reach of an international network, but also security, simplicity and flexibility. Through its consultative approach, Orange Business Services is a trusted advisor to thousands of multinationals, helping them use communication and technology as tools in the quest for global success. Orange Business Services also won the Best Global Carrier award in 2002 and 2003 as Equant.

 

Orange Business Services was also recognized for Best Project Management. This award was based on the complete design and deployment of the entire global IT and communications infrastructure in eight months for Fox-Pitt, Kelton, a leading global financial institutions group investment bank. Orange Business Services delivered an all-encompassing solution, everything from Wide Area Networks to IP Telephony and security along with introducing our Business Everywhere™ service, allowing the staff to have remote access to the bank’s secure systems from any fixed or mobile connection.

 

WCA judges noted that Orange Business Services has "strong and clear growth plans in each world region, adapted for each region/sector" and a raft of reference customers to back up the entry.

 

“It is truly an honor to win the prestigious awards of Best Global Operator and Best Project Management,” said Barbara Dalibard, president and CEO, Orange Business Services. “We understand that the ultimate communications requirements for businesses are integrated and converged services that increase competitiveness and enable businesses to meet their objectives whether financial, environmental or regulatory. We hope these awards demonstrate how we are leading the industry in this regard.”

 

Orange is the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators. 

 

France Telecom serves more than 163 million customers in five continents (220 countries or territories) as of June 30, 2007, of which two thirds are Orange customers. The Group had consolidated sales of 51.7 billion euros in 2006 (25.9 billion euros for the 1st semester of 2007).

 

Launched in June 2005, France Telecom’s NExT program (New Experience in Telecommunications) will enable the Group to pursue its transformation as an integrated operator and make France Telecom the benchmark for new telecommunications services in Europe. In 2006, Orange became the Group's single brand for Internet, television and mobile services in the majority of countries where the company operates, and Orange Business Services the banner for services offered to businesses worldwide. France Telecom is the number three mobile operator and the number one provider of broadband internet services in Europe and one of the world leaders in providing telecommunication services to multinational companies.

 

France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris and on the New York Stock Exchange.