Orange is a mobile network operator and internet service provider in the United Kingdom, which launched in 1993. It was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index but was purchased by France Télécom in 2000, which then adopted the Orange brand for all its other mobile communications activities. Orange UK has since merged with Deutsche Telekom's T Mobile UK to form a joint venture, Everything Everywhere. Orange UK has over 17 million customers through its mobile and broadband services. Microtel Communications Ltd. was formed in April 1990 as a consortium comprising Pactel Corporation,... British Aerospace, Millicom and French company Matra . In 1991 Microtel was awarded a license to develop a mobile network in the UK, and in July 1991 Hutchison Telecommunications Ltd acquired Microtel from BAe. BAe was paid in Hutchison Telecommunications Ltd. shares, giving the company a 30% share. Hutchison Whampoa held 65% and Barclays Bank the remaining 5%. Microtel was renamed Orange Personal Communications Services Ltd. in 1993.
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