Samsung Electronics and Orange are working together to tackle the mounting e-waste crisis, tweak the user experiences of Galaxy phones and clear the way for industrial strength standalone 5G networks.
Together, the companies are working to reduce the waste caused by the obsoletion of Samsung mobile devices distributed by Orange. The plan is based on extending the lifecycle of a typical product through an extension of Orange’s trade-in and collection programmes for Samsung devices. Orange will also add a Samsung Certified Refurbished device programme through its channels.
They will then use the Eco-Rating method used by European mobile operators to evaluate the environmental impact of the Samsung Galaxy in its entire lifecycle from design to dumping. The Rating could shed light on how Samsung and Orange can make further improvements.
“This partnership will help us fulfil our circular economy ambitions,” said Philippe Lucas, Orange’s EVP of innovation devices and partnerships.
The Samsung-Orange agreement also covers the rollout of advanced 5G standalone (SA) services. There will be end-to-end testing of Samsung devices and key technologies like network slicing and voice over Orange’s 5G SA test networks. They will explore new use-cases made possible through 5G SA networks to provide services to industries and the entertainment sector.
Samsung and Orange are also working closer to bring a ‘connected experience powered by Samsung Galaxy devices to Orange customers. This multi-device approach will be deployed in Orange stores and online channels to support Orange’s multi-service strategy, delivering an immersive and seamless mobile experience to end users.
The Orange-Samsung pact say they will combine their product and technology assets to provide an upgraded digital activation. This means Samsung will run a SIM-based personalisation of its mobile devices for Orange customers on a single mobile software configuration. The ‘over-the-air personalisation service’ discovers key Orange applications on eligible Samsung Galaxy smartphones and painlessly installs them, regardless of where the customers bought their Galaxy phones.
Finally, Samsung and Orange will activate eSIMs on a wider range of Samsung devices connected to Orange networks. This will simplify their users’ experience and eliminate the use of plastic SIM cards across Oranges European customer base.
By simplifying the user experience, Samsung is improving the ‘customer journey, according to Bryan Choi, Samsung Electronic’s head of strategic marketing of mobile experience business. “We are pleased to strengthen our relationship with Orange,” said Choi.