CIOs MISS OUT ON BENEFITS OF SWITCHING COMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER

• Orange launches services to support a smooth transition to the network following research highlighting concerns

London, 28 January 2009: Today, Orange released research results which reveal a nervousness among CIOs and IT managers to move communications provider. The research, carried out for Orange by Vanson Bourne, found that three quarters of businesses are primarily concerned about inconveniencing customers and employees if they move supplier. However, 8 in 10 of the respondents also acknowledged that the promise of a smooth transition could influence their final decision to switch providers.

The majority of respondents (60%) agreed that switching communications provider is more difficult than swapping IT provider. This perception could be preventing some businesses from moving to the most effective communications supplier, which could make all the difference in these cash-strapped times.

Calling for businesses to set aside any apprehension about switching, Orange has started the ball rolling with ‘Seamless Switch', a portfolio of services designed to iron out the age old problems associated with transitioning to a new provider. Seamless Switch from Orange ensures that business customers will:

• be given a dedicated account team to help tailor the right solutions for their business;
• have any network coverage concerns put to rest, with a full on-site analysis of the Orange network in key locations;
• have a dedicated Project Manager to look after the logistics of the entire implementation process;
• benefit from device customisation services and tailored training programmes;
• manage their account easily with flexible billing structures and free web tools to keep on top of payments.

A recent implementation saw over 2,000 devices deployed to employees across multiple sites. The Seamless Switch approach ensured that every new device and SIM card was reconfigured with the correct numbers and email accounts on the day it was picked up. Orange was able to provide a single point of contact to manage the implementation process; making sure the devices were ready and working to hand over to the relevant people at the right time, providing training and planning everything down to the last detail so that business operations were not affected or disrupted during the week long upgrade process.

“Swapping providers is a big deal for any business. It takes time and organisation. At Orange we pride ourselves in the support and high quality service we give to our business customers,” commented Robert Ainger, Director, Corporate Marketing, Orange UK. “The Seamless Switch portfolio of services ensures that all our customers can move to a better, more cost effective solution without any trouble. This gives them time to concentrate on their business rather than worrying about whether their new phones will work!”

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About Orange

Orange is a key brand of the France Telecom Group, providing mobile, broadband, fixed, business and entertainment services across Europe. It is one of the world's leading telecommunications operators with more than 170 million customers on five continents.

In June, 2006, Orange became the single brand for mobile, broadband and multi-play offers. In addition, Orange Business Services became the new banner for business communications solutions. Orange Business Services is present in 166 countries with network reach in 220.

In the UK, Orange provides high quality GSM coverage to 99% of the UK population. At the end of September 2008, Orange had over 16.84 million customers in the UK — 15.82 million active mobile customers and over one million fixed broadband customers.

Orange and any other Orange product or service names included in this material are trade marks of Orange Personal Communications Services Limited.

Further information about Orange can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.co.uk or the France Telecom group international website at www.orange.com and www.francetelecom.com