BT Ireland reported today that revenues increased 17pc from €220m to €257m for the first half of 2006, driven by what it terms “new wave” revenue streams. The news coincided with a massive €500m planned investment in a 21st-century network for Ireland.
The company attributed the revenue growth to high-profile contract wins such as Bank of Scotland, Web Reservations International and the digital TV pilot for the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.
The company said that residential broadband connections rose by 37pc to more than 48,000 following on from the launch of its all-in €45 communications package which it says exceeded forecasts.
Over the half year BT says it intensified its focus on the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. This focus was underpinned by investment in recruitment, new channels, customer service, sales and marketing and expansion into the regions.
At present BT has 4pc of the SME sector in Ireland and wants to build on this in the year ahead.
BT Ireland chief executive Danny McLaughlin commented: “This is a solid set of numbers delivered in a challenging and fast-changing environment. We continue to transform our organisation at all levels to deliver value to our customers and our shareholders.
“New wave business is fuelling our revenue growth and now represents more than a quarter of our total turnover.
“The dramatic rise in broadband take-up shows that demand can be stimulated through the launch of competitively priced packages that resonate with Irish consumers. We plan to repeat this success in the SME market which has long been deprived of real choice and competition,” McLaughlin added.
By John Kennedy
