Orange launches two open 5G experimentation platforms in the 26 GHz band

Orange will start testing in Châtillon and Rennes following ARCEP’s approval to assign experimentation frequencies in the 26 GHz band. For Orange, this call for projects is an opportunity to assess, in an open innovation way, the performances of these new frequency bands as well as the technical and environmental conditions in which those bands can be used. It is also a chance to evaluate the benefits of this technology for innovative applications in very busy areas (railway stations, airports, stadiums, concerts, etc.) and to draw lessons for future developments of 5G.

Testing an almost instant download service of HD content at Rennes train station, together with SNCF and Nokia

The first experimentation phase will start before the end of 2019, and different steps have been identified: deployment of the test network; performance measurements (speed, coverage); partners testing the service using Sony devices equipped with a Qualcomm modem and processor. In 2020, passengers travelling through Rennes train station will be able to connect to 5G hotspots and download videos to their mobile or tablet in just a few seconds, and then watch them while traveling in the train. Additional “Consumer” or “Business” services will be tested at a later stage.

The Orange Gardens 5G Lab in Châtillon

The Orange Gardens 5G Lab is a site for collaborative innovation, providing Orange and its partners with an indoor and outdoor test environment with 5G connectivity. Since December 2018, around fifteen companies have been able to test innovative products and services, and benefit from the support of Orange experts. These 5G tests use the 3.4-3.8 GHz frequency band.

In the next few months, the 5G Lab will open its doors to partners and companies who also want to test the local 5G network in the 26 GHz band, and evaluate its ability to deliver enhanced multimedia experiences in very busy places, as well as in certain mobile situations (4K/8K HD video streaming, 360°, augmented, virtual or mixed reality, 5G video production, online gaming in the cloud, e-sports tournaments, etc.).

Mari-Noëlle Jégo-Laveissière, Deputy CEO and Chief Technology and Innovation Officer of Orange, said: “The 26GHz spectrum band will allow us to explore new services based on 5G. We are aiming to set-up experimental platforms that will stimulate collaboration on these new use-cases across all economic sectors.”

About Orange
Orange is one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators with sales of 41 billion euros in 2018 and 148,000 employees worldwide at 30 June 2019, including 89,000 employees in France. The Group has a total customer base of 266 million customers worldwide at 30 June 2018, including 207 million mobile customers and 20 million fixed broadband customers. The Group is present in 27 countries. Orange is also a leading provider of global IT and telecommunication services to multinational companies, under the brand Orange Business Services. In March 2015, the Group presented its new strategic plan “Essentials2020” which places customer experience at the heart of its strategy with the aim of allowing them to benefit fully from the digital universe and the power of its new generation networks.

Orange is listed on Euronext Paris (symbol ORA) and on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol ORAN).

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