France Telecom-Orange is launching its Orange Tunisia mobile, fixed and internet operator on 5 May. The joint venture with Orange's local partner, Mabrouk subsidiary Investek, will focus on mobile broadband offers and competitive international tariffs from the outset in a country where mobile penetration stands at over 90 percent. The move marks Orange's entry in the Maghreb region. It owns 49 percent of the new operator. Orange Tunisia will invest TND 1 billion (around EUR 500 million) to launch operations and install the country's first 3G network. This network, which will be operational from day one, already covers most of Tunisia's major cities. Overall coverage will be doubled by the end of the year. France Telecom-Orange said it will provide the technical know-how and investment necessary to ensure the development of 2G and 3G+ network offering nationwide coverage. International roaming agreements are in place for use by foreign visitors to the popular tourist destination. From launch, Orange Tunisia will benefit from a network of nine shops and 400 distribution outlets. The operator expects to employ 1,500 people by the end of the year. France Telecom chairman and former CEO Didier Lombard stated that the group's commitment to this partnership enjoys a particular intensity thanks to the historic, cultural and economic ties between France and Tunisia. The move brings Orange's footprint in Africa and the Middle East to 18 countries. France Telecom won its Tunisian licence in partnership with Mabrouk subsidiary Divona Telecom, Tunisia's only VSAT and WiMAX provider, which subsequently changed its name to Orange Tunisia. It previously merged with sister company Planet, one of the country's biggest ISPs.
