Orange Belgium is proud to have actively contributed to the successful completion of the Last Mile program, one of the most significant public-private initiatives to strengthen digital inclusion and broadband connectivity in Belgium in recent years. The Last Mile is a project of the Digital Wallonia strategy managed by the ‘Agence du Numérique’ and the ‘SPW Économie Emploi Recherche’ with funds from the Wallonia Recovery Plan. Through the combined efforts of the public sector and the telecommunications operators, thousands of households and businesses in previously underserved areas now have access to high-speed broadband infrastructure.
Through the modernisation of its HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) network and the roll-out of the GIGA-project offering download speeds of up to 1 Gbps, Orange Belgium played an active role in the deployment of the program. The projects that Orange Belgium has now fully completed contribute directly to the ambition of Wallonia and Belgium to ensure that every citizen, business and community can benefit from reliable, future-proof digital connectivity.
Bridging the digital divide through public-private collaboration
The Last Mile program was designed to address so-called ‘white areas’ – locations where access to very high-speed broadband was insufficient to meet the growing digital needs of residents, businesses and public services. Orange Belgium contributed within this program to provide very high-speed connectivity in 36 municipalities to more than 50,000 additional households and businesses.
The program forms part of the broader Digital Wallonia strategy, the Walloon Region’s framework for digital transformation. Since 2015, Digital Wallonia has served as the strategic foundation for accelerating digital adoption, strengthening digital infrastructure, fostering innovation and developing digital skills across the region. Connectivity is one of its core priorities, based on the conviction that universal access to high-performance networks is essential for economic competitiveness, innovation, social inclusion and the delivery of modern public services. The Last Mile program is a tangible example of this vision being translated into concrete benefits for citizens and businesses across Wallonia.
A milestone in Orange Belgium’s long-term network strategy
For Orange Belgium, this achievement represents an important milestone in its strategy to build future-ready digital infrastructure throughout the country. By combining mobile networks, fibre connectivity and the continued modernisation of the HFC network, Orange Belgium has created a high-performing gigabit ecosystem that supports economic development, innovation and social inclusion.
“Connectivity has become a fundamental enabler of economic growth, education, healthcare and social participation. Through the successful completion of the Last Mile program, we have delivered a concrete contribution to narrowing the digital divide in Belgium. We are particularly proud that Orange Belgium, has helped bring high-quality connectivity to thousands of families and businesses that will now be able to fully participate in the digital economy,” said Xavier Pichon, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Belgium.
Beyond its direct impact on households and businesses, the program strengthens the attractiveness and competitiveness of rural and semi-rural communities. Reliable gigabit connectivity enables remote work, supports entrepreneurship, facilitates access to digital public services and creates new opportunities for local economic development.
“The Digital Wallonia strategy and the Last Mile program demonstrate what can be achieved when public ambition and private sector expertise align around a common goal. By working together, we have taken another decisive step towards a more connected, inclusive, and competitive Wallonia, ensuring that digital opportunities are accessible to citizens wherever they live”, said Cécile Noel at Agence du Numérique.
(left to right)
Yves Besseling, Bourgmestre de Vaux-sur-Sure
Cédric Lerusse, Bourgmestre de Rendeux
Cécile Noel, Agence du Numérique
France Vandermeulen, Orange
Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Bourgmestre de La-Roche-en-Ardenne
Alexandra Raymaekers, Agence du Numérique
