African tower management firm Eaton Towers is taking over the running of Orange’s Ugandan infrastructure for the next 15 years.
The tower firm has been contracted to operate and manage Orange Uganda’s existing passive network infrastructure and assets, and to handle construction of new sites where required. The cellco aims to cut its operating costs and capex through the deal, and focus on new multimedia services.
Orange Uganda chief executive, Philippe Luxcey, says the agreement will boost service provision in rural areas and minimize the environmental impact of its network by preventing “the proliferation of masts.”
The set-up is a first for Orange and could provide a blueprint for the operator’s other African businesses, Marc Rennard, executive vice president of France Telecom’s Africa, Middle East and Asia division, notes.
Eaton Towers chief, Alan Harper, says the firm’s “ownership and management of the telecoms network infrastructure will ensure that Orange Uganda’s network is continually enhanced and expanded.”