Orange has announced the launch of the Nuanua project, an initiative to enhance connectivity in the French overseas collectivity of the Wallis and Futuna Islands (South Pacific region) using satellite operator SES's O3b mPOWER satellite system. Named after the Wallisian word for "rainbow," Nuanua will replace the existing satellite infrastructure, enabling Orange to offer improved internet services to the nearly 12,000 residents of the archipelago.
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Replacing Legacy Satellite Infrastructure
Orange noted that the "advanced satellite solution," capable of delivering significantly higher speeds than the existing infrastructure, will provide the territory with a high-performance connectivity solution, complementing the existing connectivity delivered via the submarine network.
Currently, the archipelago is served by one submarine cable, which limits internet access for the residents in the event of disruption. This new solution significantly enhances the diversity and resilience of essential connectivity, Orange said.
Orange Wallis and Futuna
Orange, through its subsidiary Orange Wallis and Futuna, is responsible for operating international networks for the Wallis and Futuna Islands on behalf of the French government, under an agreement signed in 1986.
Orange's subsidiary will deploy and operate the Nuanua project, co-financed by the European Union under the "Connecting Europe Facilities - Digital" programme.
The President of Orange Wallis and Futuna, said: "The Nuanua project showcases the expertise of Orange teams in the satellite domain, particularly their ability to provide secure and resilient connectivity solutions to all our clients."
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Sustainable Power
The six-month deployment is expected to be operational by mid-2025. Additionally, solar panels will be installed over an area of 170 square meters to optimise the power supply for the installations and reduce the carbon footprint of the Orange group, Orange announced on January 28, 2025.
