ORANGE LAUNCHES A MOBILE NETWORK IN ARMENIA

Cellular News
Nov 5 2009

Orange has launched its mobile network in Armenia, after winning an
operating license last November. For the launch of its operations,
Orange has invested around EUR 100 million, and provides coverage
for over 80% of the population.

Orange said that despite the relatively high penetration rate in the
country (80%), there is strong demand for the wide-ranging, innovative
services that have forged the reputation of the Orange brand across the
world. With a population of around 3.2 million people, including 1.1
million in the capital Yerevan, Armenia offers the Group significant
growth potential.

Orange already employs over 300 people in the country and some 500
additional people are employed indirectly through suppliers and
third-party retailers.

Commenting on the launch, Didier Lombard, Chairman and CEO of France
Telecom said: "We are very pleased to be able to enrich the lives of
Armenians by providing simple, innovative communications products
and services, with unrivalled value and a clear focus on customer
care. We are also proud to contribute to the economic development of
the Republic of Armenia".

Figures from the Mobile World show that the country ended the first
half of this year with a shade over 2.5 million subscribers. The
country has two incumbent operators, VivaCell-MTS and ArmenTel.