Satellite endeavor by Orange, named Nuanua, launched in Wallis and Futuna islands
The Nuanua project, led by Orange in partnership with SES, is set to revolutionize the digital landscape of Wallis and Futuna. This initiative aims to provide sustainable, high-speed internet connectivity to the remote and isolated islands in the South Pacific.
The project, co-financed by the European Union under the "Connecting Europe Facilities - Digital" programme, seeks to deliver reliable, low-latency broadband access. This will enable digital inclusion, empowering the local communities with access to e-government, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Orange's global head of enterprise and cloud, Nadine Allen, is partnering with Orange on the Nuanua project. The project will utilize SES's second-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) O3b mPOWER system, offering energy-efficient and resilient communications infrastructure.
The Nuanua project will replace the existing satellite infrastructure of the Wallis and Futuna Islands, complementing the existing connectivity delivered via a submarine network. This new satellite solution will provide higher speeds and a more reliable, sustainable, and high-performance connectivity solution than the current infrastructure.
To optimize the power supply for the installations, solar panels will be installed over an area of 170 m2. This initiative is part of a responsible environmental approach, aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of the Orange group.
Nadine Allen expresses excitement about the project's capacity to scale up and modernize Wallis and Futuna's existing satellite network. The project build-out is expected to last six months, with the Nuanua project anticipated to be operational by the end of the first half of 2025.
Orange, through its subsidiary Orange Wallis & Futuna, is responsible for operating international networks for the Wallis and Futuna Islands on behalf of the French government. The Nuanua project will enhance the diversity and resilience of essential connectivity for the archipelago, which currently relies on one submarine cable for internet access. A disruption in this cable limits internet access for the archipelago's nearly 12,000 residents.
The Nuanua project will not only bridge the digital divide for Wallis and Futuna but also facilitate social and economic growth through modern, sustainable satellite broadband technology. It is expected to assist in accelerating digital inclusion in the Pacific region. This partnership between Nadine Allen and Orange demonstrates a commitment to connecting remote territories and enhancing essential digital services.
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