Behind its well-known mobile services for the general public, Orange has been developing a solid B2B presence for several years now. By partnering with Beci, the operator is strengthening its presence in Brussels to serve businesses.
Most people know Orange for its packages, its mobile network, its antennas and its TV commercials. However, behind the consumer façade, the operator also plays a major role in the business world. Fixed connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud services, 5G — the operator is investing in innovative solutions designed for businesses. In Brussels, this shift is taking shape through a strengthened partnership with Beci. Interview with one of the world's leading telecoms providers.
A partner that thinks pro
Orange is not new to the B2B market. ‘Of course, mobile networks are part of our DNA. But for years we have been developing a specific range of services for businesses,’ says Koen Van Echelpoel, marketing manager B2B customer base at Orange. Mobile subscriptions, fixed connectivity, cybersecurity, fleet management, cloud telephony cloud, IT services... The offering is broad, yet always designed to make life easier for professional customers: from self-employed individuals to SMEs and even multinationals.
This approach to serving entrepreneurs is also supported by solid alliances: the acquisition of VOO, collaboration with Telenet, and integration of fixed and mobile services, and so on. ‘We're a convergent operator,’ says Koen. In other words: an integrated offering, unified services and a single point of contact. ‘This means that we combine mobile, fixed internet and ICT services.'
Brussels, a strategic foothold
Since February, Orange has become a structural partner of Beci. ‘Brussels is a region where we have a particularly strong presence, notably through our partnership with Irisnet, the network of Brussels public institutions’.
The link with Beci is a logical extension of this local presence. With targeted offers for members, personalised support and themed presentations at events, Orange aims to be visible and useful. ‘We want to share our expertise, particularly in cybersecurity, network infrastructure and digitalisation’.
‘We have a significant footprint in the Brussels region, so our partnership with Beci makes perfect sense!’ - Koen Van Echelpoel
For Orange, helping businesses transform digitally is a priority. This starts with stable connectivity – whether fixed or mobile – and extends to data security and digital communication. ‘We support businesses in professionalising their tools, for example by replacing old telephone systems with cloud solutions, which are more flexible, less expensive, and much more efficient.’
5G, the solution in the making
Among the topics Orange also wants to raise awareness about, 5G remains largely unexplored, especially by SMEs. ‘It's a technology that offers very high bandwidths and ultra-low latency,’ explains Koen. ‘At the moment, it is mainly used in sectors such as healthcare, security or industry, but it paves the way for many uses in the future.’
Orange is already supporting major companies and institutions in co-creation initiatives around 5G, such as medical robotics and live streaming of events. For the telecom operator, the opportunities are accessible to everyone, including SMEs. According to Koen, many businesses today need a network capable of responding in a matter of milliseconds, and this is precisely what 5G makes possible. ‘What we want to do now is introduce this potential to a broader audience, and why not inspire Brussels businesses to innovate using this technology?
A trusted partner for entrepreneurs
Through this partnership with Beci, Orange affirms its local roots and its commitment to supporting Brussels-based businesses sustainably. Koen Van Echelpoel concludes: ‘We are here to help businesses evolve, whether through connectivity, security, or digitalisation.’ An ambition that perfectly aligns with Beci’s mission: supporting entrepreneurship in Brussels.
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