The new sustainability agreement will also see the two companies working together to reduce mobile equipment waste, advance 5G services, and enhance multi-device digital experiences delivered to end users.
The companies will also collaborate on device and technology testing to prepare for the arrival of 5G standalone; promote the Samsung Galaxy multi-devices experience; and enhance the mobile customer journey with advanced digital services.
As part of the effort to extend smartphone life cycles, Orange will offer an extension on the trade-in and the collection programs on used Samsung devices and add a Samsung Certified Refurbished device program through Orange channels.
The collaboration will also leverage the implementation of the Eco-Rating methodology, a pan industry initiative driven by a consortium of European mobile operators, for Samsung Galaxy smartphones. The new rating will evaluate the environmental impact of smartphones during their entire life cycle from design to disposal, allowing Orange and Samsung to implement further improvements.
As part of the agreement, Orange and Samsung are collaborating on preparation for the deployment of advanced 5G standalone (SA) services. The collaboration will see the implementation of end-to-end testing of Samsung devices and technology such as network slicing and voice over Orange’s 5G SA test networks.
“The process will explore new use-cases made possible through 5G SA network capabilities to support both advanced industrial and entertainment-related services,” Orange said in a statement.
Philippe Lucas, executive vice-president for Orange Innovation Devices and Partnerships, said: “This partnership closely mirrors Orange's core priorities, contributing to our goals to move rapidly to fulfill our circular economy ambitions and address consumer and societal demand for sustainable devices by pushing trade in and refurbishment schemes to extend product life cycles and reduce waste.”