The Nuanua project aims to enable Orange to deliver high-performance connectivity services to the French governed South Pacific archipelago with SES’s mPOWER technology.

Currently the archipelago is served by one submarine cable which limits internet access for the archipelago’s nearly 12,000 residents in the event of a disruption.

Under the project, Nuanua will provide the territory with a satellite solution, which will complement the connectivity delivered via the existing submarine network.

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, under an agreement signed in 1986.

"This project is crucial for strengthening the digital sovereignty of Wallis and Futuna," says Orange.

"Co-financed by the European Union under the "Connecting Europe Facilities - Digital" programme, this initiative reflects Orange's commitment to connecting remote territories and enhancing essential digital services which encourages economic and social development."

Jean-Louis Le Roux, President of Orange Wallis and Futuna, said the Nuanua project showcases the expertise of Orange teams in the satellite domain.

"By modernising the infrastructure of Wallis and Futuna, we also demonstrate our commitment to making new investments to develop the digital economy of the territory and meet the growing needs of users," Le Roux said.

The project build-out, expected to last six months, is anticipated to be operational by the end of the first half of 2025.

“We are delighted to partner with Orange on this important project for sustainable connectivity," said Nadine Allen, Global Head of Enterprise & Cloud at SES.

"This initiative will use the high-performance of SES’s O3b mPOWER to modernise Wallis and Futuna's existing satellite network.

"With the system's capacity to scale up, we are excited to assist in accelerating digital inclusion in the Pacific region.”