Mobile operator Meteor’s customer base rose 10.3pc to 222,100 during the second quarter ending 30 June 2004, according to results released last night by parent company Western Wireless Corporation. Meteor added some 22,900 subscribers during the period, virtually all of them pre-paid.
Consolidated revenues for Western Wireless’s six international businesses were US$197.7m for the quarter, an increase of 65pc over the second quarter of 2003. This includes total revenues of US$139.4m from tele.ring in Austria, which is up from US$82.1m for the second quarter of 2003, an increase of 70pc.
Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation) for the consolidated international operations for the quarter was US$47.9m, compared to an adjusted EBITDA loss of US$0.8m for the second quarter of 2003. Net post-paid and pre-paid customer additions for the consolidated international businesses totaled 107,400 for the quarter. Total customers at 30 June 2004 for the six consolidated businesses were 1,446,800.
According to Commission of Communication Regulation (ComReg) figures, Meteor has a 6pc share of the Irish mobile market, a 1pc increase in the last quarter. Mobile penetration in Ireland currently stands at 88pc, an 8pc increase in the past year.
By Brian Skelly
