News Broadcasting
Intervoice to enhance EchoStar’s customer service
MUMBAI: The provider of digital television services EchoStar Communications Corporation will be using the Intervoice Voice Automation Platform of Intervoice, Inc. to significantly enhance customer self-service to its more than 12 million subscribers.
With Intervoice’s highly-scalable and flexible voice platform, EchoStar will provide its subscribers with a quick and easy way to access information and complete transactions via phone at any time and from any location, states an official release.
Subscribers will be able to check their account status, pay a bill or subscribe to a new service simply by saying a command such as, “check account balance”, rather than using the telephone keypad to complete transactions. Also, for subscribers who prefer to speak with a live agent, the self-service system will quickly and accurately direct them to the most appropriate agent who can answer their questions.
“Providing top-quality customer service is integral to our long-term success and most importantly, toward strengthening the relationships with our rapidly growing customer base,” said EchoStar Rob chief information officer Strickland. “We continue to rely on our partner Intervoice for their deep knowledge and professional services expertise in enhancing the customer service experience with speech technology.”
When fully implemented, EchoStar estimates that it will save nearly $11 million a year with this new customer-self service system.
“For companies driven by customer service like EchoStar, finding the right balance between offering customers a self-service system and the opportunity to speak with a live agent is key to their success, ” said Intervoice president and CEO Bob Ritchey. “Intervoice is helping companies achieve this delicate balance with its innovative solutions that enable consumers to connect with businesses through the channel of their choice — voice, Web or multi-modal.”
The release adds that the cumulative value of the purchase orders received by Intervoice last week is approximately $7.4 million. In addition, the company received purchase orders in the amount of approximately $1 million from this customer during the preceding four month period.
The company currently anticipates recognizing approximately $1 million in revenue in its first fiscal quarter, which ended May 31, 2006, and the remainder of the revenues, other than maintenance revenues, during the rest of the fiscal year which ends 28 February, 2007. The company currently anticipates realizing maintenance revenues in the aggregate amount of approximately $1 million during its current and next fiscal years.
News Broadcasting
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
