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The new policy will aim for the progressive integration of social, environmental and ethical criteria into our tendering procedures for corporate level suppliers.

We launched a Contractors Extranet, which provides information, to ensure that our suppliers adhere to our business principles. All our contractors are provided with information to enable them to access the extranet and are encouraged to do so by our Contract Managers. In 2004 we undertook a pilot project in which we examined worker conditions in two customer communication centres we were considering as potential business partners. We made our findings a determining factor for extending their contracts and devised detailed questions and checks which covered the social, ethical and environmental approach of the two companies.

Follow the requirements of a new France Telecom policy on supplier relationships during 2003 and 2004.

Orange Group sourcing activities were integrated with those of the France Telecom Group. France Telecom, started implementing a tool for evaluating and continuously improving the performance of its suppliers. This tool, QREDIC ®, includes environmental, ethical and social criteria. Additionally, an Orange Group purchasing policy was drafted with the aim of identifying ways to co-ordinate systematic supply chain management and supplier contract conditions.

Monitor complaints about late payment of bills to identify improvement targets and improve the information we make available to suppliers about payment systems.

During 2003 Orange Group sourcing activities were integrated with those of the France Telecom Group. Additionally, an Orange Group purchasing policy has been drafted, and one of its aims is to co-ordinate supplier contract conditions.