Orange Madagascar is preparing to roll out a 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in 2015, NewsMada reports, citing comments by the company’s CEO Michel Barre. Speaking at a press conference in Ankorondrano on 6 February, Barre commented:

“We want to strengthen our leading position in the market of mobile telephony. This is why we are making every effort to develop new products for the purpose of satisfying customers.”

However, Orange has yet to provide a concrete launch date for its planned 4G network.

Orange currently operates a 2G GSM network covering around 85% of the population and a 3G W-CDMA network which covers 150 cities; rivals Airtel Madagascar and Telma also offer 2G and 3G services.

Meanwhile, in related developments, Airtel Madagascar’s Indian parent group Bharti Airtel disclosed in its end-2014 financial report that it has obtained ‘trial authorisation from the [Madagascan] regulator for 4G LTE service based on existing frequencies’, adding that: ‘the operating licence renewal process in underway. The licence will expire on 21 September 2015 and is expected to be renewed for a further period of ten years.’