BT adds more fibre broadband customers as profits rise

Overall, BT’s underlying revenue for the quarter was flat at #4.278 billion, an improvement on the 1.3% decline recorded in the fourth quarter. During this time the telco added 60,000 BT TV customers, taking its TV customer base to 1.2 million, its best performance since launching BT Sport.

Overall, BT’s broadband growth represented 57% of broadband market net additions;ast qurter, while the company also added 100,000 mobile customers after re-entering the mobile market in March.

Mr Patterson said BT would work with local bodies over the coming months to see where the funds can be provided early to allow them to invest in increased fibre coverage.

BT says its seeing few customers opting out of the new £5 charge for its repackaged sports channels.

The operator also plans to launch a 4K UHD service, BT Sport Ultra HD, supported by its new Ultra HD set-top.

BT Chief Executive Gavin Patterson said the result at Global Services, which had in the past been the cause of two large profit warnings, tended to fluctuate from quarter to quarter but he noted that the division had a strong order book. It has also said it expects “modest growth” in core earnings. “Our financial results show we’re on track to achieve our outlook for the full year”. In the last week, BT has stepped up marketing quite considerably for BT Sport Europe, as there is a clear opportunity to target disgruntled Sky Sport subscribers.

Revenue for BT Business arm fell from £762 million in Q1 2014 to £749 million, which BT blamed on a six per cent fall in business call and lines volumes as SMEs and Corporate customers move to VoIP and data services.

BT said Openreach is running ahead of Ofcom’s minimum service level target for the installation of new lines and repairs to existing service.

Culture secretary John Whittingdale welcomed the news, saying: “Our £1.7bn superfast broadband programme is on track to reach at least 95% of the UK by 2017, and it is great to see homes and businesses making the most of everything that superfast speeds have to offer”.