The future of connected homes

This decision follows on from the Group’s decision to focus on the use of ULE technology to manage the connectivity of objects within its future ‘connected home’ service in France. To enable its customers to easily manage connected objects in their homes in a secure way, Orange is set to launch a new ‘Connected Home’ service in France this spring. By choosing the ULE technology for this service, close to three million homes which are already equipped with the latest Livebox will be able to use the service from launch without the need for any additional equipment. 

This offer, which will be available at no extra cost, will enable users to manage connected objects in their homes through a single mobile application or through the Orange future voice assistant, Djingo. At launch a range of ULE-compatible connected objects will be marketed under the Orange name. This includes a movement detector, a smart plug, a smart light bulb and a door or window-opening sensor. These objects were developed in partnership with Deutsche Telekom. The use of the ULE protocol provides several additional benefits including low power consumption, extended indoor coverage and a particularly simple installation procedure. 

Sylvaine Aublanc, Smarthome Marketing Director at Orange, stated: “We are convinced that the ULE protocol is the best available technology that will greatly facilitate the adoption of connected home usages among our customers. Orange is now joining Deutsche Telekom within the ULE Alliance and will work alongside the other members to build a fully-fledged industrial ecosystem.

“Over 5 million customers of Orange and Deutsche Telekom are already equipped with ULE-compatible routers and will be able to connect to a wider range of connected objects specially designed for use in the home.”

Ulrich A. Grote, Chairman of the ULE Alliance, added: “I am very happy to welcome Orange among our members. As a major European operator, I am confident that Orange’s leadership will bring substantial value to the ULE Alliance and the growing worldwide adoption of the ULE technology. Orange’s increased activities in the Alliance will certainly help as we look to expand ULE standard’s conformance and interoperability in the Smart Home market.”