Orange expanded its 5G testbed programme into Jordan to explore new use cases using the new technology standard, as part of the operator’s long-term strategy to unlock more value from 5G before launching in the country.
In a statement, Orange Jordan CEO Thierry Marigny said the lab is part of the operator’s responsibility to drive digital transformation through testing new use cases. The programme is an extension of the operator’s current strategy to support digital education in young people across Jordan and grow the digital economy.
“The lab comes as we prepare to launch 5G, supported by the global group’s expertise in launching the technology in many countries. We seek to develop the digital ecosystem and promote innovation for the future by anticipating new opportunities enabled by 5G ahead of its launch,” he added.
This is the first 5G lab of its kind in the country, 16 have been launched across Orange’s footprint with 13 in Europe and two in Africa (including Jordan).
The Orange 5G Lab will be a space for all companies and start-ups to cooperate to use 5G equipment from the operator for new use cases. Areas, where solutions are being produced, include augmented reality gaming, virtual reality tourism, and remote medical consultations.
Executive Vice President Marketing, Design and Open Innovation at Orange, Karine Dussert-Sarthe noted that “hundreds of companies” are testing and producing prototypes of innovative solutions with Orange.
Orange reportedly signed an agreement with the country's regulator in August to begin laying the groundwork for an eventual commercial 5G deployment.
