Telekom Romania saw its TV subscriber base grow by 2.5% in the year to March 31.
Results published by its parent company, the Greek incumbent OTE, show that it had a total of 1,449,190 DTH, cable and IPTV subscribers as of the end of Q1. However, fixed line revenues in Romania in Q1 were, at €137.1 million, 7.8% down on a year earlier, with EBITDA 37.7% lower at €20.2 million.
Meanwhile, in OTE’s home market the number of TV (IPTV and satellite) subscribers increased by 24.9% to 458,269 in the year to March 31.
OTE had revenues of €928.5 million (-1.3%) in Q1, while its EBITDA was €305.4 million (-4.6%) and net income €33.9 million (-16.1%).
Commenting on the results, Michael Tsamaz, chairman & CEO, OTE, said: “We achieved a positive first quarter in Greece, in circumstances that remain demanding. Our Greek fixed-line revenue growth was solid, driven by the continued healthy results of our TV and broadband solutions, with VDSL reaching record net additions in the quarter. ICT revenues remained strong this quarter. In Greek mobile, the drop in service revenues reflects demand pressures affected mainly by the general market conditions. Our mobile subsidiaries in Romania and Albania turned in positive top-line performances. Our Romanian operations have yet to show the benefits from our ongoing significant efforts and investments, but we are confident in the new management’s ability to improve performance over time.
“We are fully aware of the headwinds in front of us for the balance of the year, particularly from the implementation of measures impacting the disposable income of our Greek customers and potentially the demand for our services. We are working hard to provide all our clients with the best value for their money, and we are convinced that the best way to earn and retain their trust, and support our top line, is to continue investing intelligently in our networks and technology.
