This joint commitment will comprise radio-based equipment (“Radio Access Network”), with medium and long-term plans to also encompass other network equipment. The refurbishment process is expected to generate reductions in carbon emissions as opposed to manufacturing new equipment. Furthermore, with this contract, Orange and Nokia want to offer a competitive and reliable alternative to network operators.

The refurbished equipment meets all the reliability criteria in line with European Union and ITU directives and recommendations.

On the Orange side, this agreement is part of a larger programme called OSCAR which will contribute to the achievement of the Net Zero Carbon objective in 2040 set by the group. It aims to put the circular economy at the heart of infrastructure networks by reusing existing equipment wherever possible. OSCAR sets clear targets for the reuse of components and the limited use of new materials.

Nokia has also set ambitious targets as previously announced, aiming to cut emissions across its value chain by 50 percent between 2019 and 2030 as part of its renewed science-based targets.

"We are proud to share our common vision of the circular economy with Nokia, a vision where environmental exemplarity supports sustainable value creation. This mutual understanding leads today to this first major contractual step forward for the Orange Group and its subsidiaries, with a positive environmental impact for our two groups," said Ramon Fernandez, Delegate CEO, Executive Director Finance, Performance and Development

“Committing to circularity takes us another step closer to achieving our own climate goals, as well as supporting our customers in achieving theirs. Digitalization reduces waste, reuse extends product life, and through this we are able to realize the full value of our products. This framework agreement demonstrates the importance of collaboration in resolving the big challenges society faces and we all need to act together,” commented Tommi Uitto, President of Mobile Networks at Nokia.