Orange achieves a 4G+ population coverage of 47% and will make 4G+ available on >25 events and festivals this summer

• Orange covers 47% of the population with 4G+ and progressively rolls out the technology on a national level.

• Orange is making 4G+ technology available on >25 events and festivals this summer.

• 4G capacity will also be doubled for those events and festivals to allow all Orange customers to stay connected to what is essential to them when enjoying their favourite bands.

Orange was the first Belgian telecom operator to start 4G+ (LTE Advanced) pilot projects in 2014. Today Orange commercially deploys its 4G+ technology nationwide. The 4G+ technology allows download speeds of up to 225Mb/sec and upload speeds of up to 50Mb/sec.

At present, Orange achieves a 4G+ coverage of 47% nationwide (147 cities), and even 98% in Brussels. Orange will continue to roll out the 4G+ technology progressively to reach its target of close to 67% by the end of 2016.

Chief Technology Officer Gabriel Flichy explains: “Our customers tell us that high speed internet and a reliable connection are absolutely key in their telecom experience. Compared to 4G, mobile data transfer with 4G+ is 3 times faster, with significantly improved coverage and performance indoors. Something they also indicate as important during regular surveys. The ongoing investments in our network led to the deployment of the 4G+ technology by combining 4G frequencies at 800 MHz and 1800 MHz. 4G+ also markedly improves performance for 4G users.”

Orange today counts 150,000 customers with 4G+ devices on its Belgian network and since the beginning of the year, 1 out of 5 devices Orange sells is already 4G+ compatible. Various brands offer 4G+ devices: Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Blackberry, Microsoft and Sony. More 4G+ compatible devices will be launched in the coming months.

All Orange customers who use a 4G+ compatible device and have a tariff plan with mobile data can enjoy 4G+ without any extra costs.

Orange customers to benefit from 4G+ at >25 events and festivals

Surveys have revealed that mobile data transfer behaviour at major events and festivals has changed in recent years, with a dramatic increase in the number of sharing pictures and videos during events. In 2015, data traffic consumption (download + upload) at numerous events tripled as opposed to the year before. As Orange wants to meet the needs of its customers, mobile coverage during festivals has been taken into account.

Throughout the year, Orange deploys 85 extra temporary sites for 50 events to ensure the best possible mobile experience for its customers. This summer Orange will also deploy 4G+ technology and double its 4G capacity at the main festivals to guarantee a steady and reliable connection at all times. Customers will enjoy super high speed internet to share their favourite festival moments. For those who are not using 4G, 2G and 3G capacity will be reinforced as well by deploying the temporary sites with full capacity.

4G+ technology will be available and 4G capacity will be doubled at:

• Graspop (17-19 June 2016),

• Rock Werchter (30 June – 3 July 2016),

• Sunrise Festival (24-25 June 2016),

• Couleur Café (1-3 July 2016),

• Summer Festival (1-4 July 2016),

• Les Ardentes (6-10 July 2016),

• TW Classic (9 July 2016),

• Dour (13-17 July 2016),

• Foire Agricole de Libramont (22-25 July 2016),

• Tomorrowland (22-24 July 2016),

• Suikerrock (29-31 July 2016),

• Flanders Horse Events Beervelde (3-7 August 2016),

• Reggae Geel (5-6 August 2016),

• Festival Esperanzah (5-7 August 2016),

• Festival Ronquières (6-7 August 2016),

• Lokerse Feesten (5-14 August 2016),

• Dranouter (5-7 August 2016),

• Fêtes du 15 Août Outremeuse (9-17 August 2016),

• Qontinent Wachtebeke (12-14 August 2016),

• Pukkelpop (17-20 August 2016),

• GP Francorchamps (26-28 August 2016),

• Waregem Koerse (30 August 2016),

• Laundry Day (3 September 2016),

• City Parade (10 September 2016),

• Sunset festival (19 September 2016) and

• Student kickoff Gent (September 2016).

The coverage quality at the major events is assured thanks to live monitoring and technicians will be on standby at all times.