Orange to piggyback on BT’s network

France Telecom’s Orange has signed a deal to offer broadband services in the UK using BT’s network. BT will take over Orange’s current fixed-line infrastructure, which covers about 65% of the population, and incorporate it into its own network.

The deal will extend Orange’s fixed line coverage across the whole of the UK, allowing it to compete with the likes of BT, Virgin Media and Talk Talk. The move will also free up resources to invest in products and customer services.