Vodafone Group plc reported its strongest quarter since 2000, posting 5.4 million net customer additions to bring its worldwide subscriber base to 151.8 million. Vodafone’s announcement also offered a glimpse into Verizon Wireless’ fourth-quarter results to be announced Thursday. According to Vodafone’s numbers, Verizon Wireless is on track to post about 1.7 million customer additions for the fourth quarter.
Verizon Wireless rival Cingular Wireless L.L.C. said Monday it added 1.8 million subscribers during the fourth quarter.
Vodafone’s “net adds are impressive, although given the money spent on the 3G launch, and the seasonal nature of the Christmas quarter, it would be a bit disappointing if Vodafone had not gained impetus,” said Robin Hearn, a senior analyst with research and consulting firm Ovum. “The ARPUs are okay without being spectacular, and I hope the effect of all those net adds is not going to the be too detrimental.”
Vodafone reported 3.9 million net additions for its Live! wireless data service, bringing its total number of Live! users to 28.3 million. The carrier said its average revenue per user “continued to develop in line with expectations,” and that its non-voice ARPU increased to 16.7 percent of controlled service revenue.
“I am very pleased to announce another impressive quarter for customer and revenue growth,” said Vodafone chief Arun Sarin. “We have seen consistently strong performances across Europe and in the U.S., whilst we continued to focus on our turnaround program in Japan.”
