Orange customers will enjoy the ultimate festival experience this summer thanks to 100 extra network installations and 4G and 4G+ boost on over150 summer events

Orange helps customers to stay connected and share their summer vibes instantly with family and friends while enjoying their favourite bands. Therefore Orange Belgium is deploying its 4G+ technology and doubling or even tripling its 4G capacity on over 150 events and festivals by adding nearly 100 extra installations this summer and the optimization of its network capacity. To kick off the festival summer Orange will be livestreaming on its Facebook page an exclusive beach concert in France of Belgian pop band PUGGY.

Extra installations + more network capacity = unique experiences this summer

Mobile data behaviour at major events and festivals has changed in recent years, with a dramatic increase in the number of sharing pictures and videos during events. In 2016, Orange customers used 60% more mobile data (download + upload) during numerous summer events as opposed to the year before and Orange noted a 100% increase of mobile data on its 4G network then. Today 83% of total mobile data traffic is noted on Orange 4G and 4G+ network.

As Orange invests where it counts for its customers, it will boost its 4G and 4G+ capacity in more than 150 events and festivals this summer thanks to almost 100 temporary network installations and the optimization of the current network capacity to ensure Orange customers can easily and instantly share and livestream their memorable moments via high speed internet. For those who are not using 4G, 2G and 3G capacity will be reinforced as well by deploying the temporary sites with full capacity.

Unique livestreaming experience thanks to 4G network of Orange Belgium and France

To kick off the festival summer Orange will livestream a concert of the Belgian pop band PUGGY on its Facebook page Orange België on Monday May 15th at 19h30 to allow all Belgian fans to enjoy their favourite PUGGY music as the Orange group invited PUGGY to give an exclusive concert on Hossegor beach in France. Both high performant 4G networks will give PUGGY fans in Belgium and France a unique livestreaming experience.

Continuous investments in Orange network

Throughout the year, Orange deploys almost 100 extra temporary sites for over 400 events to ensure the best possible mobile experience for its customers.

Chief Technology Officer Gabriel Flichy explains: “Our customers tell us that high speed internet and a reliable connection are absolutely key in their telecom experience. Compared to 4G, mobile data transfer with 4G+ is 3 times faster, with significantly improved coverage and performance indoors. Something they also indicate as important during regular surveys. The ongoing investments in our network led to the deployment of the 4G+ technology by combining 4G frequencies at 800 MHz and 1800 MHz. This summer, Orange will additionally activate the 2600 MHz band on locations where high traffic is expected. 4G+ also markedly improves performance for 4G users. Today we cover 55% of the Belgian population with 4G+ and 13% of our customers already use a 4G+ compatible device.”

All Orange customers who use a 4G+ compatible device and have a tariff plan with mobile data can enjoy 4G+ without any extra costs.

Orange network capacity doubled or tripled on 150 summer events

4G+ technology will be available and 4G capacity will be doubled or tripled via extra installations at the following large events and festivals this summer: Graspop (16-18 June 2017), TW Classic (24 June 2017), Rock Werchter (29 June – 2 July 2017), Couleur Café (30 June - 2 July 2017), Summer Festival (1-2 July 2017), the arrival of the Tour de France in Liège on 2 July 2017, Les Ardentes (6-9 July 2017), Werchter Boutique: Robbie Williams (8 July 2017), Dour Festival (12-16 July 2017), Hype O Dream (15 July 2017), Francofolies de Spa (20-23 July 2017), Foire Agricole de Libramont (28-31 July 2017), Tomorrowland (21-30 July 2017),  Sfinks Mixed (27-30 July 2017), Flanders Horse Events (2-6 August 2017), Reggae Geel (4-5 August 2017), Festival Esperanzah (4-6 August 2017), Festival Ronquières (5-6 August 2017), Lokerse Feesten (4-13 August 2017), Dranouter (4-6 August 2017), Bryan Adams and Nostalgie Beach Festival (11-12 August 2017), Antilliaanse Feesten (11-12 August 2017), Fêtes du 15 Août Outremeuse (9-17 August 2017), We can dance (12-13 August 2017), Qontinent Wachtebeke (11-13 August 2017), Pukkelpop (16-19 August 2017), City Parade (26 August 2017), GP Francorchamps (27 August 2017), Waregem Koerse (29 August 2017), Laundry Day (2 September 2017), Bass Events Outdoor (16 September 2017), the Student kick-off Gent (27 September 2017) and many more.

Moreover, Orange Belgium is the official sponsor of Couleur Café, Tour de France, Vlaamse Basketballiga, Lokerse Feesten, Brussels Summer Festival and NRJ Music Tour Liège.

The coverage quality at the major events is assured thanks to live monitoring and technicians will be on standby at all times.