BT’s investment in UEFA Champions League football has paid off with its BT TV service recording its highest ever growth.
A further 106,000 customers were added in the quarter to September 30, 2015, as the group stage matches got underway. BT said that initial viewing figures were “encouraging”, adding that it was also pleased with the launch of the new AMC channel. The total customer base for BT TV now stands at 1.3 million customers.
“We’ve seen good demand for BT Sport Europe and this has helped us add a record number of BT TV customers in the quarter. Its contribution has been better than we expected, helping drive a 7% increase in BT Consumer revenue,” said chief executive Gavin Patterson.
Customer ARPU increased by 6% to £427, as BT benefitted from customers taking the new BT Sport Europe channels.
However, BT Sport hasn’t just brought sunshine. Operating costs increased 11% as a result of the launch of BT Sport Europe and AMC, leading to a 10% reduction in EBITDA.
Adjusted profit before tax was £1,400 million, up 5%.
There are also concerns on Ofcom’s ‘minimum margin’ test in respect of fibre broadband, should there be a ‘material change in circumstance’. This, says BT includes its Champions League and Europa League coverage, warning that Ofcom’s guidance does not provide enough flexibility over how its recovers its sports costs.
