Orange to spend JD300m on upgrading its network, Internet service

AMMAN — Orange Jordan will invest more than JD300 million between 2015 and 2018 to upgrade networks and high-speed Internet, according to a company executive.

Of the total, some JD200 million will be invested in fixed and mobile network infrastructure, Orange Jordan CEO Jean-Francois Thomas said at a press conference last Thursday.

"There is a growing demand for data in Jordan, where more than half of the population own smartphones," he added, noting that increased demand on data represents both a challenge and an opportunity.

Growth in data consumption stands at about 34 per cent annually, while telcos' revenues only grow by 3 per cent annually, Thomas told reporters.

"Telcos need to invest in networks to accommodate the growth in data demand; therefore, focusing on providing quality service is a main drive to increase telcos' growth," he said during the press conference to announce the company's 2015-2020 strategic plan.

The strategy, the CEO said, will focus on developing high-speed broadband, improving mobile quality services and working on modernising networks.

Orange Jordan, which has some three-million subscribers, will launch its fourth generation services before the end of June, Thomas noted, adding that the strategy will also focus on boosting second and third generation coverage across the Kingdom.

As part of the strategy, the operator will continue to develop new service categories that span content, cloud and video services capable of accompanying the changes in consumption patterns within the ICT market.