Bell Cablemedia Reports Loss Of £19.5 Million

Bell Cablemedia has reported a net loss of £19.5 million for the three months to March 31 1996; last year the same period reported an income of £1.2 million, but this was attributable to a £9.1 million gain from the Videotron flotation.

Total revenue for the quarter was £15.8 million, an increase of 87% over the same period in 1995. Telephony revenue was £8.9 million, with cable television revenue was £6.9 million, up by 82% over the first quarter in 1995.

Reductions in churn levels were achieved during the quarter, with rates being amongst the lowest in the industry. Cable television customers increased by 11,669 in the first three months to a total of 125,185, up 88% over additions in the first quarter of 1995. The total television customer base has increased by 64% since March 31, 1995.

Bell Cablemedia has revised its definition of homes passed and its calculation of penetration rates; the new revised figures mean cable penetration is now at 18.7%.

Bell Cablemedia: 01923 444231