1837
Birth of electrical telegraphy
innovation, Uncategorized
History
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-
1866
First transatlantic telegraph cable
network
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1876
On 14 February, Alexander Graham Bell lodges the first telephone patent
innovation, Uncategorized
-
1879
First telephone subscribers in France.First telephone directories issued
innovation, innovation, network
-
1896
Guglielmo Marconi makes the first wireless telegraph transmissions
innovation, innovation
-
1906
Development by Lee de Forest of the triode tube, the roots of broadcasting and the first long-distance telephone connections
innovation, innovation
-
1929
Creation of the Ministry of Postal, Telegraph and Telephone (PTT) services (Decree of 3 November 1929)
institutional
-
1931
First trial of television in France, led by French physicist René Barthélemy
innovation, innovation
-
1941
Merger of the department of telephone operations and the department of telegraph operations
institutional
-
1941
Organization of the PTT Resistance
institutional
-
1944
Creation of CNET (Centre national d’études des télécommunications – French telecommunications research center), responsible for R&D in the field of telecommunications and the origin of Orange Labs
institutional
-
1946
The Department of Telecommunications, created in 1941, becomes the Directorate General of Telecommunications (DGT)
institutional
-
1947
Invention of the transistor, heralding the arrival of the electronic era
innovation, innovation
-
1949
The first stored-program computer is developed by John von Neumann in the USA
innovation, innovation
-
1953
First retransmission of televised images by electromagnetic waves between London and Paris
innovation, innovation
-
1961
Invention of the laser, an innovation that led to work on fiber optics in the 1970’s
innovation, innovation
-
1965
Launch of the first geo-stationary satellites, Intelsat I (Early Bird)
innovation, innovation
-
1969
Connection of the first computers among four American universities via IMPs, the forerunner of routers
network
-
1970
Development of the first fiber optics
innovation, Uncategorized
-
1971
First (all electronic) time switch in the world, created by CNET in Lannion
innovation, innovation
-
1974
Invention of the smart card by Roland Moreno, a precursor to the advent of phone cards
innovation, innovation
-
1975
The seventh socioeconomic development plan (VIIe Plan) makes telephony a national priority, this is the beginning of the “Delta LP” saga, or the “telephone catch-up plan,” aimed at installing 14 million telephone lines in seven years
institutional
-
1978
Creation of Transpac
institutional
-
1981
In France, the Directorate General of Telecommunications installs the first optical connection in Paris
network
-
1982
Launch of Minitel in France
innovation, innovation, network
-
1984
Break-up of ATT (American Telegraph and Telecom), the beginning of global deregulation
institutional
-
1984
First telephone box fitted with a telephone smart-card reader
services, services
-
1984
Launch of Télécom 1A, the first French communications satellite
network
-
1984
Full launch of Minitel 3615, heralding the take-off of computer communication for the French general public
services, services
-
1984
With more than 22 million lines in service, the telephone is a basic piece of equipment for 88% of French households
services, services
-
1985
Eight-digit dialing
network
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1986
Launch of the Radiocom 2000 service, the first car telephone
network
-
1987
Birth of the France Télécom Foundation
institutional
-
1988
The first fiber-optic submarine cable (TAT 8) connects France, the United Kingdom and the United States, it supports a bandwidth of 280 Mbits/s (x2), i.e. 40,000 simultaneous telephone communications
institutional, network
-
1990
On 1 January 1991, the Directorate General of Telecommunications becomes France Télécom
institutional
-
1990
The law of 2 July converts France Télécom into an independent operator incorporated under public law, separate from the government and with financial autonomy
institutional
-
1990
First institutionnel campaign, “Enter the fourth dimension”
institutional
-
1990
Alphapage enables messages of 40 to 80 characters to be received, more comprehensive than Eurosignal
services, services
-
1991
Launch of Télécom 2A, the first model of France Télécom’s new-generation satellites, via Ariane 4, at Kourou, Guyana
network
-
1991
First GSM communication on the public réseau and commercial opening of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital réseau) between France and the United Kingdom
innovation, innovation, network
-
1991
Launch of Bi-Bop, a wireless pocket telephone
innovation, innovation, network
-
1992
Following on from the corporate reforms of 1990, implementation within France Télécom of a modern human-resources management system better suited to technological developments and the services offered to customers
institutional
-
1992
First SMS is sent by a British engineer working at Sema Group
innovation, innovation
-
1992
Launch of Itinéris, a radio telephony service using the GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) standard
institutional
-
1992
France Télécom is the project manager and telecommunications operator for the Winter Olympics in Albertville, broadcasting the event live to 2.5 billion viewers around the world
network
-
1992
Mobile radio communications company Itineris launches its services on GSM
network, services, Uncategorized
-
1994
Launch of Orange in the United Kingdom, which revolutionizes the market, in particular with per-second billing
international, Uncategorized
-
1995
Opening of the consumer radio paging service: Tatoo
services, services
-
1995
In order to address corporate international requirements, France Télécom, Deutsche Telekom and Sprint sign a business agreement on 22 June 1995. This alliance is cemented by the launch of a shared subsidiary, Global One
institutional, international, international
-
1996
Conversion of France Télécom into a limited company of which the government is the sole shareholder
institutional
-
1996
Launch of Wanadoo: Internet for all
services, Uncategorized
-
1996
France adopts 10-digit dialing to address increased usage
network
-
1996
The Group invests in Belgian operator Mobistar
international, international
-
1996
Launch of the fourth Telecom 2D satellite, from Kourou, Guyana
network
-
1997
First opening-up of the company’s capital
institutional
-
1997
Creation of Open Transit Internet, the global Internet-access réseau
network
-
1997
Launch of OLA, a consumer mobile telephone service in France
innovation, services, Uncategorized
-
1997
Creation of GOA, a multiplayer game platform
services, services
-
1998
Technical partnership for the football World Cup
institutional
-
1998
The Group invests in Egyptian operator Mobinil
international, international
-
1999
France Télécom launches ADSL, high-speed Internet for consumers, business people and companies, using the fixed telephony réseau
innovation, innovation, network
-
1999
The billionth phone card is sold
services, services
-
1999
Itinéris, Official sponsor and long-standing technical partner of the Tour de France
institutional
-
2000
Acquisition of the mobile telephone operator Orange, a brand created in 1994
institutional, international
-
2000
Launch of Orange in the Dominican Republic
international, international
-
2001
Unbundling and opening-up of the local loop to the competition
institutional
-
2001
Global first: surgical operation performed remotely by a surgeon located in New York on a patient in Strasbourg, using our very high-speed réseaus
innovation, network
-
2001
Creation of Equant, a company resulting from the merger of Equant and Global One, in which France Télécom holds 54.2%, the new company establishes itself as the worldwide leader in IP data services for the multinational corporate market
institutional, international, international
-
2001
First UMTS calls, the beginning of 3G
network
-
2001
France Télécom Mobile brands (Itinéris, OLA) are replaced by the Orange brand
institutional
-
2002
Globtel in Slovakia, Mobil-Rom in Romania, Ivoiris in Ivory Coast and Mobilis in Cameroon become Orange
international, international
-
2003
Launch of 3G in France
network
-
2003
Launch of Wi-Fi, wireless Internet
innovation, innovation
-
2003
Orange is the first operator in France to launch TV over ADSL, with the first TV decoder, and TV over mobile
innovation, network
-
2003
Launch of Orange World, from now on, the Internet is available on mobiles
services, services
-
2003
Vista Cellular in Botswana and Antaris in Madagascar become Orange
international, international
-
2004
The French government is no longer the majority shareholder of France Télécom
institutional
-
2004
Launch of IP telephony
innovation, innovation, network
-
2004
The Group launches Business Everywhere, a roaming solution for global companies
innovation, innovation
-
2004
Launch of a pan-European “Machine to Machine” (M2M) solution
innovation, innovation
Read more -
2004
Launch of the “Broadband for All” plan in France
innovation, innovation, network
-
2004
Launch of the first TV over mobile application, “Orange World Video”
innovation, innovation
-
2004
Launch of the Orange Wednesday offer in the United Kingdom, 2-for-1 cinema tickets for our customers
international, international
-
2004
Creation of Orange Labs Beijing
institutional, international, international
-
2005
The 12 disappears, our new information number is 118 712
services, services
Read more -
2005
First global trial of the new contactless mobile technology, NFC (Near Field Communication)
innovation, innovation
Read more -
2005
PTK Centertel in Poland becomes Orange Poland
international, international
-
2005
Orange, First ISO 14001-certified mobile operator in France
institutional
-
2006
Orange becomes the single brand for mobile, TV, Internet and digital services in our main markets
institutional
-
2006
Creation in France of the Group’s Technocentre, a product and service design center that forms part of the worldwide Orange Labs réseau
institutional
-
2006
Launch of a first high-speed broadband service, “fiber to the home in France”
innovation, innovation, network
-
2006
Launch of the Video on Demand (VoD) service, available via TV, computer or mobile
innovation, innovation
Read more -
2006
Launch of Orange Business Services, which brings together activities aimed at businesses
institutional
Read more -
2006
Amena & Wanadoo in Spain, Alize in Senegal, Ikatel in Mali and Getesa in Equatorial Guinea become Orange
international, international
-
2006
Launch of Orange Money, a mobile payment service in Africa
innovation, innovation
Read more -
2006
Opening of Studio 37, which specializes in movie production
services, services
-
2006
Orange is from now on the commercial brand of the Group’s subsidiaries in Moldova, Jordan, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry and the Central African Republic
institutional
-
2007
Launch of the Apple iPhone, sold in France by Orange
services, services
-
2008
Deployment of solar-powered mobile base stations, which represent an element of the sustainable-development policy
network
-
2008
Mauritius, Niger and Kenya become Orange
international, international
-
2008
Creation of Amman technocenter in Jordan
international, international
-
2009
Worldwide first launch of Mobile HD Voice in Moldova
innovation, network
-
2009
Inauguration of the new LION submarine cable in Reunion, continuation of the high-speed Internet development strategy in the Indian Ocean
network
Read more -
2009
Implementation of the multiscreen strategy: mobile, TV, PC
innovation, innovation
-
2009
Creation of Orange Cinéma Séries television channels, worldwide first launch of the “start over” function on Orange Cinema Séries
innovation, innovation
Read more -
2009
Orange signs an eight-year partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF)
institutional
-
2009
Uganda, Luxembourg and Armenia become Orange
international, international
-
2010
Strategic decision to invest more than €2 billion in the deployment of fiber optics in France
network
-
2010
Launch of Orange Tunisia
international, international
-
2010
The Group invests in Moroccan operator Médi Télécom
international, international
-
2011
Acquisition of 4G licenses in France
network
Read more -
2011
Landing in Brittany of the new ACE (Africa Coast to Europe) submarine cable, which will link France to South Africa and serve 23 countries
network
Read more -
2011
The Group invests in Iraqi operator Korek Telecom
international, international
-
2012
In France, France Télécom fixed-line becomes Orange
institutional
Read more -
2012
The Minitel service ceases
services, services
-
2012
4G is launched in eight countries: France, Romania, Moldova, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Dominican Republic and Mauritius
network, Uncategorized
Read more -
2012
Orange participates in the official launch of Internet IPv6, which will enable “the Internet of objects”
innovation, innovation, network
-
2012
Purchase of a sixth cable ship, the Pierre de Fermat
network
-
2012
Orange is the technical partner and sponsor of Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine
-
2012
Read moreOrange Studio (formerly Studio 37) coproduces “The Artist”, the most award-winning movie in French cinema to date
-
2012
TP In Poland and Congo, Chine Télécom in the Democratic Republic of Congo become Orange
-
2013
In France, Orange deploys consumer 4G services in Paris and 50 other towns and cities
innovation, Uncategorized
Read more -
2013
Hello Show, the conference that presents all the Group innovations
institutional
Read more -
2014
Orange announces its intention to purchase Spanish operator Jazztel. This is the Group’s most significant acquisition in 10 years
international
-
2014
Orange announces its intention to purchase Spanish operator Jazztel. This is the Group’s most significant acquisition in 10 years
international, international
-
2014
The Group celebrates its 20th anniversary with the launch of Futureself, a unique digital experience
institutional, Uncategorized
-
2015
Orange reawakens an appetite for landline phones with NeoRetro, a telephone that combines timeless design with modern technology
innovation, innovation
-
2015
According to ARCEP, the French post and telecoms regulator, Orange is France’s leading mobile réseau for the fifth consecutive year
network
-
2015
Orange Cash launches in France
services, services
Read more -
2016
Orange signs a new eight-year partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF)
international
Read more -
2016
Orange is the global sponsor and official telecommunications provider of the UEFA EURO
international
Read more -
2016
Mobinil in Egypt, Mobistar in Belgium and Meditel in Morocco become Orange
international, international
Read more -
2016
Orange Gardens, the Orange Innovation Campus, is inaugurated in the presence of French President François Hollande
innovation, Uncategorized
Read more -
2017
Orange launches banking services via Orange Bank
services, Uncategorized
Read more -
2017
Orange Foundation is 30 years old
institutional
-
2017
Orange subsidiary Cyberdefense is inaugurated
institutional, Uncategorized
Read more -
2017
Burkina Faso, Liberia and Sierra Leone become Orange
international, Uncategorized
Read more -
2018
Read moreSupport program created for women entrepreneurs.
With #FemmesEntrepreneuses, 100 female start-up founders or co-founders receive personalized support throughout France. -
2018
Read more10 years of Orange Money
Orange Money celebrates its 10th anniversary. Ten years after its launch in 2008, this mobile money service has more than 40 million customers and is available in 17 countries. -
2018
Three acquisitions: data, Cloud and healthcare.
Business & Decision to strengthen data analysis and governance. Basefarm to support our cloud computing strategy in the enterprise sector. Enovacom to enrich our healthcare offer. -
2018
Content: OCS celebrates 10 years!
OCS becomes a key player in the French audiovisual sector, with nearly 3 million customers and four themed channels: OCS Max, OCS City, OCS Choc and OCS Géants. -
2018
Africa – Orange Energy solar kits.
Available in seven countries: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and Burkina Faso. -
2019
Construction of the Normandie 2 green data center. Like its predecessor in Val-de-Reuil, the latest data center will be eco-efficient, resilient and secure, helping us to manage the steep growth in data hosting needs.
-
2019
Read moreWork starts on a new Orange “Centre-Val de Loire” data center scheduled to open year-end 2020.
-
2019
Read moreOrange raises awareness about responsible digital uses.
Orange is the first operator to speak out about the risks of digital technology in a communications campaign covering 27 countries. -
2019
Read moreOrange, European leader in cybersecurity.
Orange acquires SecureData to increase its international reach and expertise in cybersecurity. -
2019
Read moreNew Engage 2025 strategic plan.
Reinvent Orange’s operator model. Accelerate in growth areas. Place data and AI at the heart of our innovation model. Build a future-facing company together. -
2020
Read moreNew headquarters for Orange Middle East and Africa.
Located in Casablanca Finance City Tower (CFC), the building receives the international “LEED Gold” certification from the World Green Building Council. -
2020
Read morePurpose signed into the company’s bylaws.
“As a responsible partner, Orange gives everyone the keys to a responsible digital world” was approved at the 2020 Annual Shareholders’ Meeting. -
2020
Read more32 Orange Digital Centers to reduce the digital divide.
We’re planning to open an ODC in each of the Group’s regions and 7 operational divisions in France by 2025. -
2020
Read moreLaunch of 5G in 2020.
Already deployed in several countries, 5G is essential for boosting competitiveness and development by opening the door to new uses for businesses and consumers. -
2020
Read moreOrange Bank celebrates three years in France, one in Spain.
Orange Bank offers an account, an app, a bank card… -
2020
Read moreDjoliba: submarine cable extends connectivity across West Africa.
Based on a terrestrial fiber optic network coupled with undersea cables, Djoliba offers secure connectivity to and from Africa. -
2020
Read moreNew recycling offers to accelerate our circular economy adoption.
The “RE” program launches in France in October 2020 promoting recovery, recycling and reconditioning of mobile phones. -
2021
Read moreCreation of TOTEM, our European TowerCo.
Accelerating our strategy to optimize, develop and capitalize on our mobile assets to create greater value