In the context of its Engage 2025 plan, Orange is reinventing its operator model and is creating a European TowerCo destined to become a value-creating entity.
The TowerCo, which has been named TOTEM, will be run by a fully independent and dedicated management team that will be appointed in the first half of this year with a view to launching operations by the end of the year.
At the outset the portfolio of premium towers will consist of around 25.5 thousand sites in France and Spain, the two largest countries where Orange is present. Beyond France and Spain, the Group will explore the possibility of integrating other passive mobile infrastructure assets from within Orange’s European footprint that could create value for the TowerCo.
In France, TOTEM will operate around 17 thousand macro sites with an attractive mix of approximately 55% towers and 45% rooftops. Given the strong co-location demand, which has been constant for several years, and the high proportion of towers in the portfolio, there is clear potential to increase co-location rates.
In Spain, the TowerCo will operate around 8 thousand macro sites, split equally between towers and rooftops. The Spanish operations will benefit from the network-sharing agreement between Orange and Vodafone, guaranteeing the future stability of the hosting activity.
Organic growth will be the core focus of the TowerCo’s management. TOTEM will benefit from significant opportunities to develop its hosting activity across its entire portfolio.
Stephane Richard, Chairman and CEO of the Orange Group
They represent a long-term industrial view and are an essential asset in guaranteeing Orange’s independence as well as its ability to foster sustainable economic performance. Orange is committed to supporting its TowerCo, which will be named TOTEM, both strategically and financially in order to make it a clear leader in the European market.
