Bangkok--May 24--Aziam Burson-Marsteller Bangkok, May 24, 2001: CP Orange today announced it will launch its wirefree communications services in Thailand under the Orange brand name. The announcement of the brand launch, which is anticipated for later this year, was made by Mr. Richard Moat, CEO of CP Orange and Dr. Chitti Vijakkhana, co-CEO of CP Orange. CP Orange, formerly known as Wireless Communications Services (WCS), is a partnership between the CP Group and Orange S.A. Formed in 2000, the partnership is based on a shared vision for providing Thailand's mobile market with high-quality wirefree network, service and customer care. "The Orange vision is to create a future where people can communicate wherever, whenever and however they wish," said Mr. Moat. "CP Orange's mission is to become Thailand's premier communications company: first for service, first for quality, first for innovation and first choice for Thai consumers. We intend to offer a new alternative to customers in Thailand, with better service and better value for money. "The values represented by the Orange brand are universal and are shared by the Thai people, who will appreciate and embrace what we are offering to help improve their lives and take them into the future." CP Orange is investing in the design and build out of a network designed to deliver a sophisticated, high-quality 2.5G service to Thai customers. "All consumers want quality, value and service," commented Dr. Chitti. "At 31 December 2000 Orange S.A., as one of the leading wirefree communications companies in the world, was delivering quality, value and service to over 31.2 million customers in 20 countries around the globe and soon will deliver these to customers in Thailand." CP Group and Orange S.A. Announce Introduction of Orange Brand In Thailand Page 2 The Orange story has been one of success and achievement, both in the UK and internationally. The Orange Brand's international footprint was significantly enhanced in August 2000, when Orange plc was acquired by France Telecom, the majority of whose mobile interests were subsequently combined to form Orange S.A.. "The Orange brand has been well received when launched into markets throughout the world," said Mr. Moat. "Our research shows that Thai consumers will welcome the Orange brand values and approach - being straightforward, honest, refreshing, dynamic and friendly." CP Orange has conducted considerable in-depth fieldwork regarding the Orange brand and what it means to Thais, particularly in terms of the Orange brand promise and imagery it uses. The results have shown Thai people are genuinely enthusiastic about the Orange brand concept in terms of its uniqueness and scope. They see it as new and exciting, and there is little doubt about how open the market is to the Orange brand promise and values. A Thai company, CP Orange has grown to nearly 1,000 employees and is expected to grow to 2,000 by the time of service launch. The company recently relocated to the U Chu Liang Building on Rama IV Road. Telecom Asia recently announced an arrangement under which it will take a 41% direct stake in CP Orange. CP Group will hold 10% and Orange SA will continue holding a 49% stake in CP Orange. The arrangement is intended to provide synergies that will strengthen CP Orange's position in the market. About Orange - Orange and wirefree are trademarks of Orange. - Orange plc, the UK's fastest growing mobile operator, was acquired by France Telecom in August 2000. - Orange has operations in 20 countries across the world and aims to have a presence in 50 countries by 2005. - As of December 2000, Orange had 30.5 million customers in its majority-owned subsidiaries. - Orange has controlled interests in France, UK, Belgium, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania, Denmark, Slovakia, Sweden, Ivory Coast, Dominican Republic, Cameroon, Botswana and Madagascar. - Orange has minority interests in Italy, Germany, Portugal, Austria, Thailand and Mumbai (India). - Orange now offers roaming on 246 networks in 111 countries. Information about Orange can be found on the Orange website at www.orange.co.uk and media information can be found at www.media.orange.net About CP Orange - CP Orange Company Limited is building an 1800 MHz wirefree communications network to deliver innovative 2.5G services to our customers in Thailand under the Orange brand name. - CP Orange's vision is to create a pioneering, wirefree future where people can communicate wherever, whenever and however they wish. The company will deliver the superior coverage, quality, value and service represented by the Orange brand. n Formerly called Wireless Communications Services Company Ltd (WCS), CP Orange is currently a joint venture between CP Group and Orange SA. Further information, please contact: Duke Theerathada Steve Vincent or Suvimol Decharkom CP Orange Aziam Burson-Marsteller Tel: 252 9871 Tel: 647 540 End.-SS-