 Vodafone is continuing to attract more customers |
Vodafone, the world's largest mobile phone operator, attracted 4.3 million new customers over the key Christmas period - topping market expectations. The UK firm said its subscriber base had swollen to 130.4 million, helped by the buyout of Greek operator Panafon.
Customer revenues in the UK were boosted by Vodafone's �405m takeover of mobile service provider Singlepoint.
Key average revenues per user (ARPU) for the year to December rose to �299 in the UK, the company said.
Strong growth
German customer revenues were also stable - despite a recent round of tariff promotions - with ARPU reaching 311 euros.
Chief executive Arun Sarin said Vodafone, based in Newbury, Berkshire, UK, had recorded its "strongest organic customer growth in three years".
Including gains brought by acquisitions, more than 5.1 million customers worldwide joined Vodafone during the final three months of 2002.
The group's Vodafone live! picture-based service also racked up its millionth UK customer during the quarter.
In November, Vodafone said it was raising its dividend 20% and setting aside �2.5bn to buy back shares.
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