Orange Business Services Announces International Ethernet Link, a Network Solution Available in 14 Countries for Multinational Businesses

Business Wire, March 29, 2007

PARIS -- Orange Business Services is announcing today the launch of its International Ethernet Link, a new network solution available in 14 countries throughout the world and intended for businesses with international subsidiaries and for multinational companies.

International Ethernet Link is now available in three continents:

* Europe: France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain

* North America: the United States

* Asia-Pacific: Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

International Ethernet Link, a new network service on the Ethernet standard, ensures the interconnection of business sites throughout the world with its data centers. It allows multinationals wishing to consolidate their IT operations to reduce costs, while guaranteeing a secure and reliable exchange their business voice, image and data flow. Essentially, International Ethernet Link provides a ten-fold increase in IT handling capabilities while allowing exchanges of up to 100 Mbit/s.

International Ethernet Link comes as an addition to the worldwide IP VPN MPLS service of Orange Business Services and its Small Office Solutions and Ethernet Access services. Small Office Solutions is intended for branches and outlets of businesses equipped with DSL, while Ethernet Access targets large multinational sites equipped with fiber optics. Today, Ethernet Access is available in 20 countries.

In using Ethernet Access as a local loop, businesses enjoy the simplicity, development potential and flexibility of Ethernet combined with the capillarity of a worldwide IP VPN.

Already named "Best IP VPN MPLS Worldwide Operator" at the 2006 World Communication Awards, Orange Business Services is establishing itself as one of the world leaders in the field of new-generation Ethernet services with:

* Certification for the interoperability of its Ethernet services by the Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF), awarded in September 2006.

* The 2006 MEF prize for "Best Ethernet Service Provider of the Year in Europe" for the quality of its developments and the spread of its activities.

* Designation by Telemark Services as "Best Worldwide Data Network Operator" in terms of client support and satisfaction for the year 2006.

International Ethernet Link's worldwide coverage will be expanded to Nordics countries, Eastern Europe (Poland in particular), Turkey, India and Japan in 2008.

According to the latest report from Infonetics Research, the worldwide market for Ethernet services is expected to grow 280% between 2005 and 2009.

About Orange Business Services

Orange Business Services represents the business communications solutions and services provided by the France Telecom Group as of June 1, 2006. They were previously sold under the France Telecom, Orange, Equant, Etrali, Almerys, EGT, Expertel Consulting, France Telecom Intelmatique, SETIB and Solicia brands.

The offers include converged voice, data and mobile services as well as IT expertise and managed services, all designed to transform business processes and improve productivity. Orange Business Services is present in 166 countries and territories and serves customers in 220.

www.orange-business.com