Belgium, despite its small size and dense population, is a prominent player in the European technology and telecommunications sectors. Automation, particularly in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, is progressively embraced, supported by the country's extensive railway and port networks. The telecommunications landscape is shaped by factors such as a highly decentralised political structure, resulting in a multitude of providers and competition driving continual innovation. Recognising the digital divide in rural areas, the Belgian government has tackled this by implementing ambitious broadband coverage goals and actively promoting digital inclusion. Unique challenges like multilingualism have been transformed into opportunities, with the development of multilingual software and services significantly enhancing Belgium's position in the global technology market.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 3 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Orange Belgium, originally named Mobistar, is a telecommunications company operating in Belgium. The company was established in 1996 as a joint venture between Telinfo and France Télécom, now known as Orange S.A. The company underwent a rebranding process in May 2016, adopting the name Orange in alignment with its parent company's name change in 2013. Orange Belgium is a subsidiary of Orange S.A., indicating the ownership of the company.
Proximus, formerly known as Belgacom Mobile, is the largest mobile telecommunications company in Belgium and is part of the Proximus Group. The company was established in 1994 as a joint venture, with Belgacom owning a 75% stake and AirTouch holding the remaining 25%. The latter was subsequently merged with Vodafone. In 2006, Belgacom acquired the outstanding shares from Vodafone, consolidating its ownership of Proximus.
The company originally operated the MOB2 analogue network and the second-generation GSM network, starting from January 1994. Proximus maintained a de facto monopoly until the...