DUBLIN: Underlying revenue at telecoms provider BT Ireland increased by 7pc last year with growth in call volumes and data use in the Republic increasing in the final quarter of the year.
Over the course of the year the company made a multi-million euro investment in its data centres in Dublin and Belfast.
BT major business managing director for the UK and Ireland Colm O’Neill said the firm delivered “good financial performance” in a “challenging and competitive” market.
“Sales were boosted by investments in network reach, data centres, and product development, as multinationals and domestic multi-site organisations seeks an ICT company that provides local and global capabilities to underpin their expansion plans and growth ambitions,” Mr O’Neill said.
Earnings before interest tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 8pc at its Irish arm. During the year BT Ireland secured deals with Three, Sky and Blacknight Internet Solutions.
Blacknight signed a long-term deal with BT for the provision of data centre, network, and infrastructure services.
Amongst the firm’s other Irish business wins was a deal with RSA Insurance.
BT Ireland’s parent group filed increased earnings of £6.58bn (€8.34bn) while revenue jumped 6pc to £18.91bn.
The company’s increased revenue includes the acquisition of UK mobile network EE, which it acquired for £12.5bn in February.
The deal saw BT gain 35pc of the UK’s consumer mobile business.
EE announced it is creating 600 jobs in the area of customer support across the UK and Ireland.