BT’s customer strength in broadband on high rise

After a rewarding quarter ending in September, the customer base of ‘BT Retail’ has crossed the six million mark.

263,000 new customers were enrolled to BT’s network during the quarter as against 251,000 in the earlier quarter.

As the second largest provider and its chief rival Virgin Media added just one customer to its base, BT added 11 customers.

Out of the 263,000 new broadband customers, BT Retail accounted for about 166, 000, which is 56% more than that in the previous quarter.

The financial results showed that BT’s revenue was GBP 4.9 billion which is 2% less than that in the previous quarter. However the operating profit rose by 4%. The pre-tax profit was GBP 570 million which is 15% more than that in the previous quarter.

According to Ian Livingstone of BT, economic crisis of any sort is overcome through higher productivity, higher efficiency, prudent investments and better customer service. BT has proved itself to lead the way in this respect, while its competitors are merely talking about it.

For example, BT’s fiber optic cable installation for the benefit of 66% of the UK population is likely to be completed one year ahead of schedule. It is going to be a great achievement.

However Virgin Media also has a point to say. Its target of providing fiber broadband to Birmingham, Lincoln and parts of London is already met. Its task of providing the service to the remaining areas allotted to it is likely to be completed by the middle of next year.