Rogers Communications increased its annual revenue by 57 percent, to just over $1 billion, despite a fourth-quarter loss. The company cited strong results in its cable operation, partially offset by acquisition and retention costs associated with a wireless service campaign and advertising revenue declines in its TV business.
Wireless subscriber net additions totaled 199,000. ARPU edged up 2 percent over the year to $74.71, driven in part by growth in data services. During the year, the company introduced wireless broadband with maximum rates of 7.2 Mbps, enabled through the company’s 3.5G HSPA network.
Rogers Cable’s Internet subscriber base grew during the fourth quarter by 19,000, to 1.6 million, and digital cable households increased by 61,000 to reach 1.6 million, of which more than 568,000 households now receive (high-definition) HD services.
Rogers Cable ended the quarter (and year) with 840,000 residential VoIP lines. The net addition for the fourth quarter was 40,000 lines.
In December, the company’s founder, Ted Rogers, passed away. The company took the opportunity to pay tribute once again. Alan Horn, chairman and acting CEO of Rogers Communications, said: “Ted Rogers was one of a kind … [he] built this company from one FM radio station nearly 50 years ago into what is today Canada’s largest wireless, cable and media company. His absence has been felt deeply during this difficult time by everyone at Rogers, and he will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.”