BASEL: Swiss cable operator UPC reported second-quarter revenue up 1.1 percent year-on-year to CHF 340 million. Growth was led by its expansion in the mobile market, where revenues grew to CHF 12.7 million from CHF 3.1 million a year ago. Mobile customers were up 36 percent year-on-year and by 14,900 in the quarter to 55,600 in Switzerland.
Total revenue-generating units fell by 20,400 in the three months to 2.497 million in Switzerland, which the company said was due to lower growth as its higher-priced portfolio faced intense competition, particularly from IPTV providers.
The Swiss operator lost 14,200 TV subscribers in the quarter for a total 1.255 million at the end of June. Broadband subscribers were also down by 3,400 to 743,700, and telephony customers fell by 2,800 to 498,000.
In Austria, UPC gained a net 10,700 RGUs in the quarter for a total 1.393 million. After losing 7,100 basic video customers and adding 3,900 enhanced TV subscribers, it had a total 492,200 video subscribers at the end of June. Broadband customers grew 5,200 in the three months to pass the TV base, at a total 493,600. Telephony customers also rose by 8,700 to 407,300.
UPC reported total revenues for its Swiss and Austrian operations of EUR 395.8 million in the quarter, down from EUR 405.5 million a year ago. On an organic basis excluding currency effects, revenues rose 1.6 percent, and operating cash flow was up 3.8 percent to EUR 233.4 million. UPC also said its investment programme, Autostrada, is well on track, with over 20,000 newly connected homes in Switzerland and Austria in the first six months.
