Orange Business helps Operation Eyesight battle avoidable blindness

new MPLS IP VPN global infrastructure to be provided

Orange Business today announced that it will provide a global communications infrastructure to Operation Eyesight, a global development organization dedicated to restoring sight and preventing blindness in some of the poorest regions of the world.

The new MPLS IP VPN will enable Operation Eyesight to better manage all aspects of its organization, including reporting to funders and stakeholders, managing budgets and ensuring that updated information flows smoothly across its offices, first in Canada and eventually rolling out to offices in India and Africa.

“While money may be the currency that enables us to work with local partners to perform sight-restoring surgeries, drill wells, build enduring eye care services and offer community development programs, information is the currency that binds our organization together,” said Brian Foster, vice president, Advancement and IT for Operation Eyesight. “Exchanging information in real time drives collaboration and ensures our life-saving work is done as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

“Orange is proud to help an organization such as Operation Eyesight which is delivering such vital support to people in developing countries,” said Diana Einterz, senior vice president of the Americas, Orange Business. “Operation Eyesight recognizes the importance of aligning their technology infrastructure with the overall mission of their organization, and Orange is looking forward to playing an important role in this strategy. Just as important, we are privileged to work with an organization that shares our passion for serving those in need.”

About Orange
Orange is the key brand of France Telecom, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators. With almost 131 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 2009, France Telecom had consolidated sales of 45.9 billion euros (10.9 billion euros for the first quarter 2010) and at March 31, 2010, the Group had a customer base of 183.3 million customers in 32 countries. These include 123.7 million mobile customers and 13.5 million broadband Internet (ADSL) customers worldwide. Orange is the number three mobile operator and the number two provider of broadband Internet services in Europe and, under the brand Orange Business, 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 (on the Internet and on your mobile): www.orange.com, www.orange-business.com, www.orange-innovation.tv

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited, Orange France or France Telecom.