Orange’s network expansion and modernization strategy continue to drive its growth, with the Group reporting a 0.8 percent increase in revenue to €10.83 billion in the third quarter of 2025. The growth was powered by a 2.6 percent rise in retail services revenue, reflecting commercial momentum in Africa & Middle East, France, and Europe, underpinned by sustained investment in mobile and fiber networks.
“Our continued network investments are delivering results — driving growth, improving customer experience, and expanding digital inclusion across our markets,” said Christel Heydemann, Chief Executive Officer of Orange Group.
Africa & Middle East: Strongest Growth Engine
Orange’s Africa & Middle East division remained the key growth driver, with revenues up 12.2 percent, fueled by 13.1 percent growth in retail services. The region benefited from continued investment in 4G and fiber networks, enabling a sharp rise in mobile data usage (+18.1 percent), Orange Money transactions (+17.4 percent), and fixed broadband customers (+18.2 percent).
Orange’s Capex in expanding network coverage and capacity across African markets has significantly enhanced connectivity and digital inclusion, positioning the company to tap into rising demand for mobile internet and fintech services.
France: Commercial Momentum Supported by Network Quality
In France, Orange achieved its highest mobile net additions since 2022, aided by a two-point reduction in churn rate—a direct result of improved network performance and service quality. The company maintained its leadership in fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), surpassing 10 million FTTH customers, and continued to grow both convergent and fixed broadband bases.
Despite a 3.7 percent decline in total revenue—partly due to price and wholesale effects—Orange’s retail services (excluding legacy PSTN) still grew 0.2 percent, underscoring the stabilizing impact of network-driven customer satisfaction and retention.
Europe: Network and IT Investments Bolster Growth
Across Europe, Orange recorded a 4.7 percent increase in revenue, led by a 4.1 percent rise in retail services and 5.7 percent growth in convergence. The company’s fiber and 5G rollout, combined with rising demand for enterprise connectivity, helped sustain momentum. Poland was a standout performer, with a surge in IT and Integration Services, reflecting successful digital transformation initiatives supported by reliable infrastructure.
Sustained Focus on Capital Efficiency and Expansion
Orange’s Capex rose 8.3 percent in the third quarter, primarily directed toward network expansion in Africa & Middle East. For telecom activities, Capex represented 14.7 percent of revenues, aligning with the 2025 investment target. These investments continue to enhance service quality and strengthen Orange’s competitive edge in both mature and emerging markets.
Subscriber Milestones
Orange closed the quarter with 269.7 million mobile customers worldwide (+6.6 percent), including 100.4 million contract customers (+5.9 percent). Fixed broadband customers rose 4.7 percent to 22.7 million, with very high-speed broadband connections climbing 13.4 percent to 16 million.
France
Orange France reported revenues of €4.34 billion, down 3.7 percent due to the copper decommissioning and a decline in wholesale and equipment sales.
However, retail services excluding PSTN grew 0.2 percent, supported by a 1.1 percent rise in convergent ARPO to €78.6 and strong commercial performance.
The company achieved its highest mobile net additions (+138,000) since 2022, alongside +20,000 convergent and +39,000 fixed broadband net additions. Orange also surpassed 10 million fiber customers, marking a key milestone.
Customer experience improved, with a churn rate of 11.4 percent (down more than two points year-on-year) and a Net Promoter Score above 33. Orange expects slightly stronger EBITDAaL growth in France in 2025 compared to 2024.
Africa & Middle East
Revenues in the Africa & Middle East region surged 12.2 percent to €2.11 billion, driven by 13.1 percent growth in retail services (+€223 million).
All four core growth areas delivered strong results:
Mobile data +18.1 percent
Orange Money +17.4 percent
Fixed broadband +18.2 percent
B2B +9.3 percent
Commercial performance was outstanding across the region, with:
+19.2 percent growth in Orange Money users to 44.2 million
+19.8 percent increase in 4G customers to 88.4 million
+8.0 percent total mobile base growth to 172.9 million
+23.1 percent rise in fixed broadband to 4.6 million customers
Mobile ARPO grew 5.5 percent, reflecting rising data and service usage. Orange confirmed its target for double-digit EBITDAaL growth in the region for 2025, supported by expanding network investments and digital services.
Europe
Orange’s European operations generated €1.81 billion in revenue, up 4.7 percent. Retail services rose 4.1 percent, led by 5.7 percent growth in convergent services and a 33 percent surge in IT and Integration Services in Poland.
Commercially, Europe showed strong momentum with +183,000 mobile and +65,000 fiber net additions, and +22,000 convergent customer gains.
Value indicators improved as well, with convergent ARPO in Poland increasing 3.6 percent, highlighting Orange’s growing success in higher-value bundles and IT-enabled connectivity services.
Orange Business
Orange Business revenues declined 4.3 percent to €1.75 billion, reflecting continued challenges in the enterprise IT market and the strategic reshaping of its product portfolio.
Fixed-only services: €666 million (-8.1 percent)
Mobile services: €217 million (-3.0 percent)
IT and Integration Services: down 1.4 percent, mainly due to soft demand in France
Despite market pressures, Orange Cyberdefense maintained strong growth of 6.3 percent over the nine-month period, confirming the company’s focus on cybersecurity and digital transformation as future growth pillars.
Conclusion
Orange’s strong network investment strategy is translating into tangible growth across regions. Upgraded mobile and fiber networks, coupled with the expansion of digital services like Orange Money, are powering both revenue and subscriber additions.
With network quality at the heart of its strategy, Orange is well-positioned to sustain growth momentum in both developed and emerging markets while meeting its 2025 financial and sustainability targets.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
