Fibre runs to 831,000 homes, complaints down
Irish comms service provider (CSP) Eir has lost customers but gained in revenue, reports the Irish Times, which notes that the group recorded a total of €303 million in revenue for the first quarter of 2022 while the number of the number of broadband customers fell. Eir’s broadband base fell just 1% 961,000 customers by the end of the quarter but a bigger challenge came from its rising operating costs, which were up 10% to €100m, reported Emma Taggart in the Irish Examiner. Eir stated that its adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, which decreased by 7% were in line with expectations.
More fibre
By April, Eir’s fibre broadband connections were up 3% to 831,000. Eir’s mobile base rose by another 4% to 1,234, 000 subscribers. It enjoyed a 9% increase of 73,000 subscribers in its mobile postpay base, which comprises 74% of the total mobile base.The company did suffer 1% decline in its TV customers, down to 80,000. However, customer service has improved, according to the national regulator ComReg which says the volume of complaints about Eir has fallen to its lowest point since reporting began in 2015.
Few complaints
Complaints from mobile customers fell by 91 per cent and complaints from fixed-line customers are down 89 per cent since the third quarter of 2020, according Eir. The company has continued to expand its 5G network over the past quarter, with the network now available in 450 towns and cities across Ireland. “5G technology remains a focus for Eir as we continue to see the benefits of this enhanced technology,” said Eir CEO Oliver Loomes.
Big 5G
Eir’s 5G network is now the largest 5G accessible network in Ireland with free 5G roaming in 34 countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Roaming will be extended to more countries, including the USA to be added in 2022, Loomes said.The falling broadband subscriptions may be a concern as Eir is expanding its fibre to the home programme adding 28% more connections year on year. Once completed, the fibre to the home programme is set to pass 84% or 1.9m of the premises of Ireland.