Orange and SFR are taking action following the war in Ukraine. In order to allow their subscribers to stay in touch with their Ukrainian relatives, the operators will offer all calls and SMS to the Eastern European country. However, the telecom offer is limited in time.
After weeks of tension, the Russian army entered Ukraine. According to the latest information provided by the Ukrainian government, 198 civilians have died since the invasion of Russia. So far, Russian soldiers have failed to capture Kiev, the country’s capital.
According to the latest news, Kremlin troops are encountering stronger resistance than expected around Kiev. At the same time, cyberattacks are paralyzing Ukrainian infrastructure.
Also read: Ukraine asks Apple to block the App Store in Russia
After Free, Orange and SFR make a gesture in reaction to the war in Ukraine
In this context, French people with relatives residing in Ukraine are obviously worried. While the war is ravaging the country, Free Mobile has decided to lower the price of calls to Ukraine. After Free, Bouygues also announced price reductions through reimbursement. Telecom will “reimburse 50% of the costs of calls and SMS sent from mobiles and box from France to Ukraine from Monday February 21 and for at least one month”.
For its part, Orange announced free all calls and SMS to Ukraine on his Twitter account. “From February 25, international calls, SMS and MMS sent from Orange and Sosh mobiles in mainland France to Ukrainian landlines and mobiles will be free”announces the incumbent operator.
On its official website, Orange claims to want to mobilize following the Russian invasion. The operator would like this measure to be able to “to allow its general public customers to stay in touch with their loved ones in Ukraine”. Unlike the armed conflict initiated by Russia, the Orange offer is limited in time. Calls and texts will be free “for a period of 2 weeks”, specifies Orange on its website.
Inspired by the example of Orange, SFR has also announced free calls and SMS to Ukrainian landlines and mobiles. This measure came into force on February 21. It is valid for a minimum period of 3 weeks.