Orange Clarifies 3G RumoursOrange Clarifies 3G Rumours

PARIS/LONDON -- Further to press comments this morning, Orange SA confirms that non-binding France Telecom / Orange framework agreements have been entered into with Alcatel, Nokia and Nortel Networks to provide the 3G radio access network (RAN) technology infrastructure across the Orange footprint.

These framework agreements, which contain no commitment at this stage, have to be finalised, with terms, amounts and conditions to be negotiated in the coming months.

As stated at the 24 June Orange strategy presentation, the Orange 3G network is well advanced in the UK and France. It is anticipated that full commercial trials of Orange 3G services will begin later this year in the UK, with commercial launch expected around mid-2004. Orange UK expects to offer 3G population coverage of over 40% at UK launch in ten major cities, the major rail routes and airports. In France, Orange has been working for a year and a half, developing the 'Villes Orange', Toulouse and Lille, and building 3G capabilities. By the end of 2004, Orange will have 3G coverage in the ten major cities across France.

Orange SA (London/Paris: OGE)

France Telecom SA (NYSE: FTE)
Alcatel SA (NYSE: ALA; Paris: CGEP:PA)

Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK)

Nortel Networks Corp. (NYSE/Toronto: NT)