Orange has acquired Dome, a secure communications platform from Obvios, for an undisclosed sum. The French operator also brought Dome’s development experts into its own teams.
The move strengthens Orange’s position in defence and critical infrastructure markets. These sectors need networks that remain secure, controlled, and available during disruption.
Dome is a cloud-native software platform for private mobile networks. In simple terms, it runs through flexible software, rather than fixed hardware only. This approach can speed deployment and simplify upgrades.
The platform gives organisations a secure private 5G core. That core acts as the brain of a mobile network. It manages users, devices, security, and traffic routing.
As a result, customers can build and operate their own mobile networks. They can also connect them with public telecoms infrastructure when needed. This hybrid model gives operators more flexibility during normal and emergency operations.
The acquisition follows Orange’s wider security push. The company recently created its Defence & Security division. It also launched Orange Drone 360, which supports drone-based services and operations.
For telecom engineers, the deal highlights a clear market direction. Private mobile networks are moving beyond factories and campuses. They now support defence, energy, transport, civil security, and emergency services.
Orange said Dome can support several demanding use cases. These include military bases and remote deployable networks. It can also support port surveillance, airport monitoring, drones, and autonomous systems.
This matters because critical sites cannot always depend fully on public networks. Power failures, cyberattacks, or physical damage can disrupt connectivity. A dedicated private network can keep essential services online.
However, organisations still face important planning questions. Private 5G needs spectrum access, device support, and trained staff. It also requires clear policies for cybersecurity and data handling.
Integration may also take time. Many defence and infrastructure operators already use older radio systems. They must ensure new private 5G networks work with existing tools.
Even so, the attraction remains strong. A private network gives organisations tighter control over coverage and users. It can also reduce exposure to external network congestion.
Orange Business Head of Defense and Security, Nassima Auvray, said: “This acquisition marks a strategic milestone in strengthening and specialising our offerings and expertise, particularly in hybrid network solutions.
“It accelerates our development in private 5G, enabling us to deliver sovereign, innovative solutions tailored to the security and operational needs of defense and critical infrastructure operators in Europe.”
The deal places Orange deeper into Europe’s secure connectivity agenda. Governments and critical operators increasingly want local control over sensitive communications. Dome gives Orange another tool to answer that demand.
