The firm says that its creation will allow it to strengthen its position as a manager and operator of passive mobile infrastructure and to benefit from new sources of growth.
The management and operation of TOTEM will be independent following the transfer of key passive mobile infrastructure assets.
Stéphane Richard, chairman and CEO of Orange, said: “TOTEM’s operational launch is an important milestone in our European infrastructure strategy.
“The creation of this entity will allow us to derive value from our passive mobile infrastructure, for which we have exceptional operational expertise. By opening up these assets to other operators, we will optimise its use.
“We are determined to support TOTEM on both a strategic and financial level, to make it an undisputed leader on the European market and to keep control of this strategic asset as part of a long-term industrial vision. By retaining control of our infrastructure, we have made a crucial decision for our future growth.”
TOTEM’s passive mobile infrastructure includes over 26,000 sites in France and Spain. TOTEM France will manage 18,500 macro-sites while TOTEM Spain will manage 7,900.
TOTEM France currently has around 100 employees in France based in seven cities while Spain has 50 employees in eight cities. TOTEM will consider the option of incorporating other assets from the Orange group that will add value, the company says.
Nicolas Roy, CEO of TOTEM Group, said: “Launched first in France and Spain, TOTEM has become a new player for regional development in Europe. TOTEM will create value for all stakeholders - operators, landlords and real estate players, regional authorities, companies -, thanks to its connectivity solutions and equipment sharing.
TOTEM’s teams will rely on the excellence of its mobile infrastructure and a thorough understanding of its customers’ needs to develop connectivity services everywhere, in both rural and urban locations.”
