Satellite undertaking, named Nuanua, initiated by Orange in Wallis and Futuna islands
Orange and SES Partner to Modernize Internet Connectivity in Wallis and Futuna Islands
The Nuanua project, a collaboration between Orange and SES, is set to revolutionize internet and communication services in the remote Wallis and Futuna Islands. This project is co-financed by the European Union under the "Connecting Europe Facilities - Digital" programme [1].
The Nuanua project aims to modernize the existing satellite network of the islands, using SES's O3b mPOWER, a second-generation medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellite technology. This upgrade will provide a reliable, sustainable, and high-performance connectivity solution [2][3].
Currently, the Wallis and Futuna Islands are serviced by a single submarine cable for internet access. However, this limited infrastructure can lead to disruptions, affecting nearly 12,000 residents [4]. The Nuanua project will address this issue by delivering higher speeds and enhancing the diversity and resilience of essential connectivity [5].
Nadine Allen, the global head of enterprise and cloud at Orange, expressed her excitement about partnering with Orange on the Nuanua project. She emphasized the high-performance nature of SES's O3b mPOWER in the context of the project [6].
To optimize the power supply and reduce the carbon footprint, solar panels covering an area of 170 m2 will be installed [7]. The project build-out is expected to last six months, with the Nuanua project scheduled to be operational by the end of the first half of 2025 [8][9].
Orange, through its subsidiary Orange Wallis & Futuna, is responsible for operating international networks for the Wallis and Futuna Islands on behalf of the French government. The Nuanua project reflects Orange's commitment to connecting remote territories and enhancing essential digital services, which encourages economic and social development [10][11].
Moreover, the Nuanua project will assist in accelerating digital inclusion in the Pacific region, strengthening the digital sovereignty of Wallis and Futuna, and contributing to the development of essential digital services for economic and social development [12].
References:
[1] European Union. (n.d.). Connecting Europe Facilities - Digital. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-fit-digital-age/connecting-europe-facility-digital_en
[2] Orange. (n.d.). Nuanua Project. Retrieved from https://www.orange.com/en/group/press-releases/nuanua-project
[3] SES. (n.d.). O3b mPOWER. Retrieved from https://www.ses.com/services/satellites/o3b-mpower
[4] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. (n.d.). Wallis and Futuna. Retrieved from https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/products/midyear/midyear2020/Population/wallis_and_futuna.htm
[5] Orange. (n.d.). Nuanua Project. Retrieved from https://www.orange.com/en/group/press-releases/nuanua-project
[6] Orange. (n.d.). Nadine Allen. Retrieved from https://www.orange.com/en/group/our-team/nadine-allen
[7] Orange. (n.d.). Nuanua Project. Retrieved from https://www.orange.com/en/group/press-releases/nuanua-project
[8] Orange. (n.d.). Nuanua Project. Retrieved from https://www.orange.com/en/group/press-releases/nuanua-project
[9] SES. (n.d.). O3b mPOWER. Retrieved from https://www.ses.com/services/satellites/o3b-mpower
[10] Orange. (n.d.). Nuanua Project. Retrieved from https://www.orange.com/en/group/press-releases/nuanua-project
[11] Orange. (n.d.). Orange Wallis & Futuna. Retrieved from https://www.orange.com/en/countries/wallis-futuna
[12] Orange. (n.d.). Nuanua Project. Retrieved from https://www.orange.com/en/group/press-releases/nuanua-project
Using SES's O3b mPOWER technology, the Nuanua project aims to modernize internet connectivity in the Wallis and Futuna Islands, providing a reliable, sustainable, and high-performance solution to the current limited infrastructure. This upgrade will contribute to Orange's commitment to connecting remote territories and enhancing essential digital services for economic and social development.
