Flemish Government appoints Orange Belgium as trusted partner for Mobile connectivity and Internet of Things services for the next 5 years, extendable to 7 years

Orange Belgium has been selected by the Flemish Government (Vlaamse Overheid) as trusted partner for Mobile connectivity and Internet of Things services for the next five years, extendable to seven years. The objective of the new public contract, worth over 23 million euros, is to enable all public administrations in the Flemish Region to benefit from the Orange Belgium mobile network and its catalogue of services at competitive prices. The services include a broad and modular offering of mobile telephony, mobile data communications for professional use and for "Machine to Machine" (M2M) and "Internet of Things" (IoT) to a variety of administrative entities. The agreement demonstrates Orange Belgium’s customer experience excellence ambition, whereby the telecom operator continues to develop and improve tailored value propositions.

Over the years, connectivity has become essential in our lives. The importance of well-functioning communication services for the Flemish Government is therefore crucial: connectivity is an indispensable day-to-day component in the implementation of the Flemish Government's policy. Its employees must have access to an excellent network, substantiated systems and solutions that allow optimal and comfortable use of the means of communication.

A renewed partnership based on customer experience excellence

Orange Belgium responded to the Flemish Government’s tender with an offer characterized by the determination to continue to support the Administration in the field of innovation and digital transformation. As there is a need for both classic services and rapidly evolving technologies, Orange Belgium’s offer guarantees the role of digital growth pole that the Government wishes to retain, supported by a long-term partner who thinks along in its realization. As a pioneer in the market, Orange Belgium launched the trend towards all-in/flat-rate offers, driven by the ever-increasing data consumption.

The framework agreement between both partners has been concluded for a period of minimum five years, extendable to seven years, with a contract value of more than 23 million euros. In total, more than 75,000 SIM cards and 9,500 cards for "Machine to Machine" (M2M) and "Internet of Things" (IoT) services will be activated for a variety of administrative entities. In the field of mobile telephony and mobile data, Orange Belgium’s offer is labelled as revolutionary, flexible and innovative. For M2M/IoT, keywords are transparency, expertise and reliability.

Furthermore, a large number of services will create strong added value in terms of comfort and security. Some examples are: Mobile Intelligent Voice Services, Orange Phone app, Mobile Threat Protection, Smart Parking for EV, Start Walking 5G, IoT Live Objects, and Mobile Antennas for Events.

Finally, Orange Belgium has already profiled itself as a real innovator in Flanders through the opening of the first 5G network in the port of Antwerp, the first permanent 5G Lab in Antwerp, and the roll-out of 5G technology in the central cities of Antwerp, Ghent, Leuven, and along the Flemish coast.

Xavier Pichon, Chief Executive Officer at Orange Belgium, said: “We are delighted with the continued collaboration with the Flemish Government, a long-time partner since 2003, and thank the Administration for their trust. Our long-standing relationship has always been driven by a constant pursuit of offering a smooth, innovative and reliable service. Orange Belgium has a unique DNA in the telecoms market and is very well placed to make a long-term commitment to its stakeholders. This partnership perfectly illustrates our 'Lead the Future' strategy. More specifically, it reflects our ambition in terms of Customer Experience Excellence and our ability to offer connectivity services of remarkable quality as well as tailor-made value propositions.”

Frank Geets, Chief Executive Officer at the Facility Company, added: “In an era where communication shapes progress, the Facility Company (Het Facilitair Bedrijf) is looking forward to this new collaboration with Orange for mobile telephony, mobile data, Machine to Machine and Internet of Things. With the stated reliability, innovation and security, we enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to strengthen the digital ambitions of the Flemish Government. Our goal is to offer advanced telecom solutions not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of volumes and price so that all our customers can benefit from it. Together we hope to push the boundaries of connectivity and mobility and shape a future where communication has no limits!”