Orange Business to Build and Operate EU TESTA-EIRIS Secure Network

# What happened Orange Business has been selected to provide the core network services for TESTA-EIRIS, the European Union's new secure communications project for public administrations. The company will deliver the main network infrastructure and run Network and Security Operating Centres that monitor performance, security events and service availability.

# What TESTA-EIRIS aims to do TESTA-EIRIS stands for Enhanced Infrastructure for Reliable Interconnectivity and Security. The initiative is designed to modernise digital communications between EU institutions, agencies and national governments. The project bundles private connectivity, VPN protection and cloud links so public bodies can exchange sensitive information across borders with better security and resilience.

# What Orange Business will provide

• Build and operate the primary network backbone for TESTA-EIRIS.
• Run Network and Security Operating Centres to monitor and manage performance and security events.
• Deploy at least 12 Points of Presence across five European regions to serve as connection hubs and improve cross-border reach.

The system integrates network infrastructure, cloud connections and VPN technology to create encrypted private tunnels for data exchange between public sector locations.

# Who's responsible for oversight Commission's DG DIGIT (Directorate-General for Informatics) will work with Orange Business on the wider system design and ongoing management. DG DIGIT oversees digital services for the Commission and will play a central role in aligning TESTA-EIRIS with EU digital priorities.

# Why this matters for public services Secure, resilient connectivity affects multiple public functions that rely on cross-border data exchange: justice, health, customs, taxation and crisis response. TESTA-EIRIS aims to provide a foundation that keeps sensitive communications protected and available as cloud use and digital services grow across administrations.

# Practical challenges and requirements Delivering a government-grade network implies strict availability and security requirements. The network must adapt as demand for cloud services expands, while meeting operational standards for monitoring, incident detection and rapid response. Operating Centres will need to sustain performance and visibility across a geographically distributed infrastructure.

# How this fits broader telecom trends The contract highlights a market shift where telecom operators offer more than raw connectivity. Public authorities increasingly require networks designed with sovereignty, security and clear governance in mind. Orange Business's role in TESTA-EIRIS follows other moves by the company to expand secure communications capabilities, including acquisitions and initiatives aimed at private 5G, satellite gateways and automation in network operations.

Richard van Wageningen, President for Europe at Orange Business, said: "As reliance on digital technologies increases and cyber threats continue to evolve, the EU has placed digital trust at the heart of its strategic priorities. Core to the TESTA-EIRIS backbone project is the drive to build a secure, trusted European digital ecosystem. Orange Business is proud to be chosen to deliver this robust, adaptable, and future-proof infrastructure to support the EU's critical needs."

# Bottom line TESTA-EIRIS is designed to create a managed, private communications backbone for EU public administrations. Orange Business will supply and operate the backbone infrastructure and security operations, while DG DIGIT provides oversight. The project aims to improve secure cross-border services and deliver a scalable platform for sensitive government communications.