In a press release, France Telecom (FT) says that the partnership between Orange and Apple, which has seen iPhone being launched with Orange in 30 countries across Europe, Middle East and Africa, will be extended later in 2010 with the launch of iPad in additional Orange markets. In its home market, Orange will launch two mobile internet for iPad plans, with prices starting from EUR10, without a fixed term contract. Customers with an Orange mobile plan get a 15% discount on their Orange for iPad subscription, it added. Moreover, users who reach the plan ceiling will be able to buy a 300MB recharge bundle for EUR10 (valid 31 days). Orange’s new iPad plans will be accessible to all, and will be available from FT Orange outlets, from the orange.fr website, and via partner networks.
Orange hopes to use its extensive mobile broadband internet coverage in the country to make iPad a success. According to the regulator Arcep’s December 2009 report, Orange currently provides the most extensive mobile broadband coverage in continental France. Its 3G/3G+ coverage currently reaches over 89% of the population, and EDGE coverage reaches over 99%.