Vodafone Turkey Cuts 260 Jobs

Just a few days after apparently announcing plans to hire 500 extra staff this year, Vodafone Turkey has announced 260 job cuts as part of a corporate restructuring. The job cuts came as part of "an organizational overhaul" and to increase efficiency, the company said in a statement.

Last week, the Reuters news agency had reported that the firm was planning to spend 1.3 billion lira ($754 million) during this year. Citing the state-run news agency Anatolian, it was also stated that the firm would recruit an additional 500 customer facing staff and increase the number of retail outlets to 900.

Company CEO Serpil Timuray has recently denied rumours that Vodafone would hand over its operations in Turkey to Deutsche Telecom.

Rival operator, Turkcell is planning to invest $1.6 billion in 2009 and is looking at creating 1,000 new jobs. The third operator in the country, Avea plans to invest US$268 million, while increasing revenue this year.

Turkcell dominates the local market, controlling some 55% of customer base according to figures from the Mobile World analysts. Vodafone is second with 27% and Avea trails with just 18%. The country has around 72 million mobile phone users, which represents a market penetration level of 92%.

Mobile number portability is due to be launched in the country in November.

On the web: Reuters - Mobile World

Posted to the site on 5th March 2009