Della Valle also pointed to Vodafone's upcoming merger with Three's UK business as a key example of how market consolidation can foster growth. This deal, which is expected to proceed with regulatory approval, hinges on Vodafone and Three committing to an £11 billion investment in the UK's 5G infrastructure. Related: Lawmakers Raise Concerns Over Potential Musk Influence on FAA Telecom Contract Meanwhile, Orange has also been focusing on growth outside of Europe, particularly in the Middle East and Africa. According to Orange CEO Christel Heydemann, these regions have become "core pillars" of the company's growth strategy. In contrast to a modest 2.1% decline in European revenues, Orange's Middle Eastern and African operations posted an impressive 11.1% revenue increase last year. The telecom sector in Europe has faced persistent challenges, with a report by Connect Europe revealing a 4.4% decline in real-term revenues in 2023.