Job cuts coming at Helio

Uh oh. Just a few days ago, we reported on EarthLink's recent decision to layoff almost half of its total workforce--a clear signal that the faltering ISP is nearing the end of its tether. Now we've received word that Helio--the MVNO joint-venture between EarthLink and Korea's SK Telecom--is also making some job cuts. Helio will cut about 100 jobs, roughly 14 percent of its total workforce, in an effort to "streamline its operations and refocus its field sales team towards direct sales." Despite the curious timing, the company claims that the cuts are simply being made to pair-down the operation post-launch. To back this claim up, they're pointing out that "July was their best month ever, and August is about to top July," as well as the fact that they plan to open 20 new Helio kiosks this year. As a company spokesperson told Engadget, "we don't want to burn cash like some MVNOs do." Let's hope that's all there is to it--we're all rooting for you, Helio.

For more on the cuts:
- see this GigaOM article
- and this Engadget article