Sales halve at WorldCom

NEWS The uncertainty over the future of WorldCom has led to a large decline in sales at its European operation. According to a report in the FT, which cites a conference call between European boss Lucy Woods and staff, there has been an above average dip in sales for July and August, falling 50 per cent. Many customers are sticking to the carrier - some are contractually obliged to do so - while others are looking at alternatives. In June this year, Woods spoke to silicon.com in the wake of the failure of fellow European network KPNQwest about the need for telcos that will see out the downturn. Although not officially up for sale, Woods is said to have talked about a decision on the future of the European arm of the company, which last week saw its former CFO taken into custody in handcuffs as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into financial impropriety.