about

Orange launched on April 28th 1994, with an ambitious aim - to change the way we communicate with each other.

As the fourth company to enter a crowded marketplace, it needed to do things radically differently. By talking in a language people could understand and offering innovative products and services, such as per second billing, Orange put its customers first and left the competition playing catch up.

Orange Group serves more than 175 million customers in five continents

In June 1996 Orange plc became the youngest company to enter the FTSE-100, valued at £2.4 billion. And by July 1997 Orange had gained one million customers.

Since then we've gone from strength to strength, becoming the UK's fastest growing mobile communications company and expanding internationally in countries as diverse as Hong Kong and Israel.

Today, the Orange brand is one of the most powerful in the world, and the Orange Group serves more than 175 million customers in five continents. It is the number three mobile operator in Europe and number one provider of broadband Internet services. It's come a long way since launching from its Bristol HQ in 1994.

To see our latest financial results click here.

Orange company timeline

Read about some of the highlights from our journey so far.

2010

Having set out its plans for a 25% reduction in carbon emissions by 2010, Orange changes the way it buys its energy. Now 100% of the electricity it buys from energy giant EDF is renewable.

Orange UK customer base reaches just under 17 million.

Orange announces the touchscreen watch-phone with LG

2009

Orange RockCorps kicks off with 5000 community volunteers earning their place to see Busta Rhymes perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

Orange UK launches its new strategy: "The Agenda", designed to improve, grow and evolve the company.

Orange UK is named Best Entertainment Operator in Europe at the Mobile Entertainment Awards in Cannes.

Orange UK announces plans to reduce its impact on the environment and targets a 25% carbon reduction by 2010.

2008

The first Orange Mobile Wind Charger makes its appearance at Glastonbury.

Orange launches its Anti Bullying campaign.

Mobile Act Unsigned with Orange & Sony Ericsson starts on Channel 4.

2007

The first BAFTA Orange Rising Star award goes to James McAvoy.

Orange customers can now use their 3G phones in more countries than with any other operator.

1 June is O Day - marking the integration of Orange mobile and broadband services in the UK.

Pay Monthly Animals packages launches.

2006

Orange supports the Make Poverty History campaign, producing a new Orange Film Board ad featuring Ewan McGregor.

Orange becomes the first operator to launch a commercial TV-on-the-mobile service.

2005

Orange Playlist airs on ITV1 - the first time ITV allows a sponsor's name in a programme title.

Orange Wednesdays launches, offering customers 2 cinema tickets for the price of 1 every Wednesday.

Orange launches the world’s smallest smartphone – the SPV C500.

2004

The Orange Film Funding Board cinema adverts launch in cinemas across the UK.

Orange World – the Orange mobile internet site – is launched.

2003

According to Oftel, Orange has the highest call success rate.

Orange UK customers can now top up their pre-pay credit via an ATM.

2002

Orange launches its flat rates for international calling.

The Orange customer base passes 12 million.

2001

France Telecom acquires Orange.

Orange launches Europe’s first wirefree videophone.

Orange now has 8 million customers.

2000

The first WAP phone is launched, allowing customers to access the mobile Internet.

Orange launches in Switzerland – its first step outside the UK.

With a market share of 20.4%, 1 in 12 people are connected to Orange - that's over 3 million people.

1999

Orange begins its partnership with BAFTA.

Orange now serves 2 million customers, with 98% of the population covered and 75% geographical coverage.

1998

Orange exceeds the one million customer mark.

Orange builds the first mobile mast that looks like a tree.

1997

Orange floats on the London Stock Exchange, joining the UK's top 100 companies.

Orange now has 785,000 customers, with 90% UK coverage.

1996

Orange now has 379,300 customers. It launches fax and data service.

Orange launches “line two” – two numbers on one phone.

1995

In April 1994 Orange launches to over 50% of the UK population, with 70% coverage.

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