Orange Switzerland continues to grow - Signature Phones give big boost to revenues
Lausanne (ots)
Orange Communications SA, Lausanne, achieved total revenue of CHF 1'169 million in 2003. At the same time, the operating result was increased 266% compared to the previous year. By end 2003, Orange Switzerland numbered 1'085'000 active customers (+12,7%).
The Orange total revenue rose from CHF 1'018 million to CHF 1'169 million in 2003, thus representing a growth of 14,8%. The operating result (EBIDTA) more than tripled from CHF 81 million to CHF 296 million (+266%).
"The Orange strategy to introduce the exclusive Signature Phones has been very successful. Customers with a Treo or SPV are using these new phones increasingly for both voice and data traffic. They generate on average more than double the revenue per user than those with conventional mobile phones", said Andreas S. Wetter, CEO Orange Switzerland. "We are achieving excellent results with these devices in the business customer segment in particular."
The business customer segment has not only increased in terms of revenue. In a study conducted by the International Institute of Mobile Telecommunication in Fribourg, Orange posted also excellent results with this customer group in terms of innovation, prices, service and flexibility. The company managers interviewed singled out Orange as the best mobile communications operator in Switzerland.
Orange Experience - we not only focus on the customers, we get to know them
With its strategic "Orange Experience" initiative launched at end October 2003, Orange has moved on from the traditional customer-oriented market segmentation approach and developed a new customer relationship built on addressing the individual needs of customers. The solution is called "Customer Intimacy". The aim is to get to know the individual customers and offer simple, tailor-made services to match their personal needs. These include offering specific tariff packages as well as providing information and entertainment services tailored to the customer on the Orange World mobile portal. Orange plans to launch further Signature Phones during this year. The personal customer care delivered in the 36 Orange Centers across Switzerland by the unique Orange Phone Trainer trained will be further developed.
With the construction of 586 additional antennas in 2003, Orange could further extend its network in rural areas and now reaches almost 99% of the Swiss population.
Statistics at a glance
by 31. 12 2002 by 31. 12. 2003 Change Active customers 963'000 1'085'000 + 12,7% Revenue CHF 1'018 Mio. CHF 1'169 Mio. + 14,8% EBITDA(1) CHF 81 Mio. CHF 296 Mio. + 266%
(1) Result before interests, taxes and amortisation
Contact:
Therese Wenger
Media Relations
Phone: +41/21/216'10'16
Fax +41/21/216'10'15
Mobile: +41/78/787'10'16
E-Mail: therese.wenger@orange.ch
Internet: http://www.orange.ch
Orange Communications SA
World Trade Center
Avenue de Gratta-Paille 2
Casella postale 455
CH-1000 Lausanne 30 Grey