France Telecom-owned Orange has launched a new subsidiary called Orange Horizons with the idea to seek out new business opportunities in countries where the company is not already present as a telecommunications provider. Such projects could include the launch of online stores selling mobile devices and accessories, airtime, “flexible travel solutions” and MVNOs.
The first of these projects has been launched in South Africa under the Orange Horizons banner. Two websites are unveiled as part of the deal – an online store selling telecoms-related devices and accessories; and a portal offering news feeds, sports news and audio-visual content.
During the year, the Group plans to launch business ventures in several other countries in Europe and Africa, and will also look at opportunities in South America in order to leverage existing content-related assets such as starMedia (a South American internet portal) for example. Overall, an array of business projects will be investigated depending on the specific potential within each country.
The main goal is to provide a new source of revenue for the Group, while improving its global visibility and reputation outside its traditional footprint. In addition, some of these projects will also help improve customer loyalty in countries in which Orange is already present.
Orange’s vast assets enable it to launch various business projects without any need for significant investments. These assets include the Group’s global buying power for telecoms devices and accessories, as well as its R&D and marketing know-how.
[Via: Cellular-News]