Orange Launches Widest Range of Exclusive Affordable Phones With Dedicated Facebook(R) Functionality in Africa and Europe

PARIS and LONDON, November 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Three new phones with deep Facebook integration and dedicated 'F' key available in Africa and Europe from Q4 2011 - offering the widest portfolio of affordable phones with deep Facebook functionality launched by an operator to date
• Orange is bringing simple, affordable, social phones for under €100 to a broader range of customers in more than 15 countries*
• The new range includes the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH 908F Android smartphone, one of the most affordable Android smartphones available, exclusive to Orange

Orange will exclusively launch three new affordable phones with deep Facebook integration across Africa and Europe from Q4 2011, creating a swift, simple, cost effective social experience for more of Orange's customers than ever before.  

With access to the widest range of phones with Facebook built-in under €100, including the new ALCATEL ONE TOUCH 908F Android smartphone, Orange customers can choose the phone best suited to their needs. Facebook's social capabilities run through every feature of these phones, from the camera to contacts with the dedicated 'F' key allowing instant uploading and interaction. Orange customers can also purchase these handsets with affordable bundles and tariffs that include unlimited Facebook access without extra data charges.  

This announcement forms part of Orange's strategy to help customers get more from their digital lives and provide access to mobile services such as Facebook to the widest possible range of customers.  At a more affordable price point than previously available, with bundles and tariffs to match, these handsets will make mobile Facebook access richer and more widely available for the first time for some customers.  

 "The rise of the smartphone and the explosion of social networks have completely changed how people keep in touch and share content. Until now many consumers across Africa and Europe have not had access to a phone that offers deep Facebook integration at an affordable price," said Yves Maitre, Senior Vice President of Mobile Multimedia and Devices, Orange. "We feel strongly that it is Orange's role to enable customers to enjoy a digitally rich, connected life and this and future work with Facebook and ALCATEL ONE TOUCH will allow us to open up mobile social media access to even more of our customers."

"Orange and Facebook have a common goal of providing mobile social access to people throughout Europe and Africa," said Henri Moissinac, Head of Mobile Business at Facebook. "These phones and our ongoing collaboration with Orange will offer an opportunity for people to easily connect and share with their friends on Facebook anytime, anywhere and, for some, experience the mobile web for the first time."

Orange has set out a clear strategy to increase its original design manufacturer portfolio from 15 to 20 per cent in order to offer customers more choice across pre-pay and post-pay segments. By growing the portfolio with partnerships such as this, Orange is able to provide customers with high quality, affordable handsets packed with intuitive, useful and unique services and features.  

Phones from this initial range will be available in more than 15 countries, with Romania and Poland launching by the end of 2011, and more countries launching the handsets throughout 2012.

The range consists of three phones that make it easy for customers to post and tag photos, comment on a friend's wall and sync Facebook friends to their address book.  The phones are the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH 585F, ONE TOUCH 813F, and ONE TOUCH 908F (Orange Vancouver in Romania).

"ALCATEL ONE TOUCH commits to expand our smart phone product portfolio to enrich people's life with advanced features. We are proud to be working with Orange and Facebook to deliver the first range of phones as a result of this partnership," said Dr. George Guo, CEO of TCL Communication  Technology, which uses ALCATEL ONE TOUCH as one of its brands. "These exclusive phones offer a fantastic integrated social networking experience and dedicated 'f' key for instant access and uploading, combining quality and affordability for Orange customers."

*Notes to editors:

These devices will be available in Armenia, Botswana, Cameroon, France, Ivory Coast, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Moldova, Niger, Poland, Reunion, Romania, Senegal, Spain, Tunisia and Uganda. Exact launch dates will be announced locally at a later date, as may further countries.

France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on Euronext Paris (compartment A) and on the New York Stock Exchange.

For more information (on the internet and on your mobile): http://www.orange.com,http://www.orange-business.com, http://www.orange-innovation.tv

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Brand Services Limited, Orange France or France Telecom.

SOURCE Orange