Switzerland's largest telecommunications operator, Swisscom, has announced plans to outsource the project planning, construction and maintenance of its fixed network. The move affects 900 Swisscom employees.

In a reaction to the news, the communication union has expressed concern, arguing that a Swisscom subsidiary should take over the sector, not a third party.

In a statement on Tuesday, Swisscom said it was currently holding talks with interested parties on its plans. The network itself and associated network data would remain the sole property of Swisscom.

Earlier this year, the company announced it would be outsourcing 3,000 jobs and converting from a corporate group into a holding company.

Swisscom said as part of that process, it would systematically concentrate on its core competencies. The planned outsourcing would enable it to concentrate on planning, steering and managing the network, and would also reduce costs.

Outsourcing project planning, construction and maintenance would also "significantly increase" the market opportunities for this area, as it would now be possible to offer these services to other telecommunications companies and public institutions such as federal, cantonal and local government.

swissinfo with agencies

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative