Telenor records TV gains

Norwegian operator Telenor reported improved TV numbers in its Q4 and full year 2013 figures, as it logged record EBITDA of NOK36 billion (€4.3 billion) for the year.

In its home market, Telenor added 2,000 TV subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2013, rounding out the year with 527,000 TV customers compared to 524,000 in 2012.

In Norway, fixed internet and TV revenues were a combined NOK1.32billion in Q4, up 5.6% year-on-year, helping offset reduced telephony subscriptions and wholesale revenues. Average revenues per user for TV were up 12. 5% year-on-year to NOK279.

However, in Sweden Telenor reported a slight quarterly decline in TV subscribers with 2013 remaining flat at 284,000.

Overall in Q4 2013, Telenor Group reported revenues of NOK28 billion, representing organic revenue growth of 1%. EBITDA before other items was NOK 8.99 billion. Full year revenues were NOK104 billion while EBITDA was NOK36 billion.

“During 2013, Telenor Group increased or maintained its market share in key markets. For the fourth quarter, Telenor Group reports organic revenue growth of 1%, in line with the company’s growth rate for the full year,” said Telenor Group president and CEO Jon Fredrik Baksaas.

On January 2, 2014, Telenor acquired 100% of the voting rights in Tele2’s Swedish residential fibre and cable TV business for NOK 749 million. The business includes 370,000 connected households, with 125,000 fixed broadband subscribers, 75,000 digital TV subscribers and 220,000 analogue TV households.

Telenor said the deal strengthens its position as one of the leading providers of broadband and digital TV services in Sweden.