Due for completion between 2020 and 2024, the new infrastructure will enable Orange to support the accelerated deployment of its mobile network and increase the density of its coverage.
"We are very happy to have signed this agreement with Orange, France’s leading mobile operator, building on an already strong nationwide partnership,” said Julian Plumstead, CEO Europe at ATC. “This agreement will help reinforce our infrastructure in France and will strengthen the ties and the synergies between our two groups over the long term."
Orange and ATC France have been working together since 2012 on the deployment and operation of mobile network infrastructure. This collaboration enables for both companies to pool their expertise and improve network coverage in France.
Additionally, under a 20-year hosting service agreement between the two, means that Orange will benefit from ATC France’s management and marketing services for mobile network infrastructure.
"The nationwide deployment of the network, particularly in rural areas, is a priority for Orange. We are delighted to be able to enter into this agreement with ATC France, which has proven expertise in terms of infrastructure management,” added Fabienne Dulac (pictured), deputy CEO of the Orange Group and CEO of Orange France. “This partnership will enable us to accelerate deployment in these key areas while retaining our capacity for differentiation and our ability to invest in the networks, whether they are fixed or mobile."
ATC France hosts nearly 5,500 operator contracts across the entirety of its sites in operation. Orange currently has 25,000 mobile radio sites, including 17,000 on fully-owned infrastructure.
At the start of December, Orange España (Orange Spain) was reportedly in the process of selling its telecoms towers for a reported $250 million.