Jordan Telecom Group unveils Orange fixed line services

• Orange fixed line services will address different segments of the market through its bespoke telecommunications solutions

(Amman, 3rd July, 2007): Jordan Telecom Group (JTG) has moved to the second phase of introducing Orange comprehensive services to the local market through the re-branding of the Group’s fixed line services under the Orange trademark, the commercial brand of the world’s leading telecommunication service operator France Telecom Group (FTG).

This announcement was made by JTG’s executives during a press meeting held at the Group’s headquarters on July 3rd, 2007.

“By introducing Orange fixed line in Jordan, we are offering our customers a whole new communications world driven by openness and simplicity,” Chairman of the Board of Directors of JTG, Dr Shabib Ammari said. “This move embodies the efforts we have made during the year 2006 to move towards convergence and the integrated operator model, enhancing our customers experience when using telecommunications technologies,” added Ammari.

For his part, Group EVP Francoise De Loynes said:  “Introducing Orange fixed line services to our portfolio can only inspire even more confidence in our company.” De Loynes added that bringing in the Orange brand will make a big difference in the life of the Group’s customers as they will become part of an international family of over 100 million customers in 220 countries and territories across the globe enjoying, with Orange, a world without barriers, where they can communicate freely.

With this announcement, JTG’s fixed line customers have joined the family of more than 80 million Orange fixed line users. 

JTG VP / General Manager of Home Business Unit, Wassila Zitoune said that with the Group’s fixed line services becoming Orange, JTG is taking its operations to new heights and opening new horizons for telecommunications in the Kingdom by providing integrated offers that combine fixed line, mobile and internet together.

The fixed line services of Jordan Telecom Group, formerly sold under the Jordan Telecom brand, is the core of JTG and the historical fixed line provider in the Kingdom with around 3200 employees allocated across its departments.

Despite the liberalization of the sector in 2005, the Group’s fixed line company has remained the sole provider of fixed line services in the Kingdom. Even with its exclusive status, it remains keen on providing leading services through its advanced network that is considered the backbone for many telecom companies in Jordan.

Jordan Telecom was established in 1971 by the Government of Jordan before moving to a commercial status in 1997 as a prelude to its full privatization in 2006.

Throughout the years, the fixed line services of Jordan Telecom Group managed successfully to meet the needs of its customers by leveraging its information and telecom network, strengthening the culture of information technology nationwide in addition to providing a digital network that covers 98% of the Kingdom’s regions.

Furthermore, the company has an advanced telecom call center, which offers its services 24/7 in three regions; north, middle, and south of Jordan.

Ammari said that Orange’s ability to provide converged technologies and put customers at the heart of its operations has placed the brand as the top telecommunications network in Europe.

“With Orange’s innovative and user-focused services, we are offering our customers a unique and an unprecedented experience,” concluded Ammari.

- Ends -

About Orange:
Orange is the key brand of France Telecom Group, one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with over 153 million customers in 220 countries worldwide.

In June 2006, as part of France Telecom Group's integrated operator strategy to deliver simple convergent products, Orange became the single brand for mobile, internet and TV offers in France, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Spain, strengthening Orange's position as the number two mobile and internet services brand in Europe. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new banner for business communications solutions and services.

Since its launch in 1994 in the UK market, Orange has been synonymous with making mobile communications an intuitive part of everyday life. Today the home of Orange has become Paris following their acquisition by France Telecom in August 2000.  However, Orange is widely perceived as a global international brand stretching across the world.

About France Telecom:
France Telecom, one of the principal world telecommunications operators, had almost 160 million customers in five continents (220 countries or territories) as of December 31, 2006, out which two thirds are under the Orange brand. In 2006, the Group achieved consolidated revenues of 51.7 billion euros. Launched in June 2005, the NExT program (New Experience in Telecommunications) is enabling the Group to continue its conversion as an integrated operator in order to make France Telecom the operator of reference for the new telecommunications services in Europe.

Since June 2006, Orange became the Group's single brand for the Internet, television and wireless telephony in France, the United Kingdom the Netherlands and in Spain, and Orange Business Services became the brand for the services offered to business worldwide. France Telecom is the second largest wireless operator and Internet access provider in Europe and among the world leaders in telecommunications services for multinational companies.
France Telecom (NYSE:FTE) is listed on the Eurolist market of Euronext Paris and on the New York Stock Exchange.

About Jordan Telecom Group:
In 2000, France Telecom entered as a strategic partner and gradually increased its share in Jordan Telecom until it acquired 51% of shares to become the majority shareholder.

Jordan Telecom was first established in 1971 under the name "Telecommunications Corporation," which was then totally owned by the Jordanian government.  In 1997 the corporation was privatized and became known as the Telecommunications Company, providing fixed line services.

Jordan Telecom Group decision was proclaimed in 2006 to integrate Jordan Telecom, the fixed retail business unit, MobileCom the mobile business unit, Wanadoo the internet and data business unit, e-Dimensions the content business unit, and the wholesale business unit to be one giant integrated operator in Jordan.

The Jordan Group now serves more than 2.3 million subscribers with appropriate communication technologies, at affordable prices, and world-class service. The Jordan Telecom Group is currently preparing to adopt the Orange brand name for its services as part of a strategic plan aimed at providing the local market with world class services and products.