Intelsat, operator of the world’s largest and most advanced satellite fleet and connectivity infrastructure, today announced it is expanding its relationship with Orange, one of the world’s leading telecommunications carriers, to provide cellular backhaul services in French Guiana that will provide universal services and increase access to both telecommunications and advanced connectivity solutions for Orange customers.

By integrating Intelsat-enabled cellular backhaul and support services into its network planning strategy, Orange will be able to extend mobile broadband coverage and connect more subscribers across Kaw, Camopi, Grand-Sancti, Papaichton and Maripasoula, ensuring consistent connectivity with a reliable service and great user experience.

“Through our partnership, Orange will leverage our network sizing and design services to build a consistent business model that is future proof,” said Intelsat Senior Key Account Director, Europe Pablo Catapodis. “We have proven yet again that we understand backhaul applications and can support Orange’s strategy in French Guiana with our industry-leading services.”

Orange will leverage the capabilities of the Intelsat 10-02 (IS-10-02) satellite to upgrade and expand its existing 2G network and provide reliable 3G/4G services in French Guiana, including to some of the most remote and rural areas of the territory. IS-10-02 had its life extended earlier this year after successfully docking with Northrop Grumman’s Mission Extension Vehicle-2 (MEV-2).

“We are proud to expand and upgrade our mobile coverage in rural areas with a flexible and cost-effective solution to deliver a first-in-class customer experience.” said Boris Fayolle, project manager, Strategy and Network Development at Orange. “The Intelsat and Orange collaboration was a key element throughout the process to guarantee our overall success.”