Vodafone Ireland invests €2.5m in ‘new way of working’ strategy

9 Feb 2012

While the financial troubles of Southern Europe are having an impact on Vodafone’s latest financials, update of data services is a key influencer on new customer additions, the company said today. In Ireland, Vodafone is investing €2.5m in a ‘new way of working’ strategy.

Vodafone Ireland invested €2.5m to implement a new way of working initiative throughout the organisation.

The company says this new, flexible approach to working, involving a technology upgrade and complete revamp of Vodafone Ireland’s offices at Leopardstown in Dublin has achieved a more efficient, modern environment where employees flexi-desk and are free to work anywhere in the building.

Across Vodafone Group, revenues were up 1.6pc to €11.6bn. The mobile giant spent €1.4bn on capital expenditure programmes during the quarter ended 31 December.

However, the performance was blighted economic conditions in Southern Europe, with revenues in Spain down 8.8pc and 4.9pc in Italy.

“We are continuing to make progress in the key strategic areas of data, enterprise and emerging markets,” Vodafone CEO Vittorio Calao said.

“Despite the further deterioration of the southern European economic environment during the quarter, our broad geographic mix is delivering a resilient overall performance. Our improved value perception, strong cash generation and healthy balance sheet give us confidence that we can continue to execute well.” 

Two-thirds of Vodafone Ireland billpay customers use smartphones

In Ireland, Vodafone added 22,700 customers during the quarter, bringing its total customer base to 2.47m, which includes 2.24m mobile users.

Smartphone sales increased by 50pc quarter on quarter and smartphone devices represent two-thirds of all billpay mobile sales, Vodafone said.

The company’s drive into the fixed-line space is continuing apace, with 232,000 DSL and fixed-line customers.

Average blended monthly ARPU decreased to €32.20, down marginally by 1.1pc on the previous quarter, as customers continued to take advantage of the value offering in Vodafone’s range of propositions.

The company said new customers are being attracted by value and greater data allowances.

The company said it recorded an 80pc rise in video traffic across its fixed customer base in the last 12 months.

Smartphone sales increased by 50pc quarter on quarter and smartphone devices represent two-thirds of all billpay mobile sales, Vodafone said.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com