Belgium Network Reports Subscriber Rise

Belgium's Mobistar says that it finished last year with 2,615,368 active customers registered, compared with an active customer base of 2,305,390 at the end of 2002. This translates as a net increase of 309,978 active customers, or a growth of more than 13% in one year. The last quarter of the year was particularly optimistic with Mobistar witnessing a net increase of 107,120 active customers in three months.

The excellent fourth quarter in 2003 therefore confirms that the growth of Mobistar's active customer base fared better in 2003 than it did in 2002. This growth was greatly influenced by the results of mobile number portability. At the end of 2003, Mobistar effectively retained its status as the big winner in the portability stakes with a net gain of over 70,000 customers.

Mobistar's total 2,615,368 registered active customers at the end of 2003 breaks down as 1,794,961 pre-paid card customers and 820,407 contract customers, 68.6% and 31.4% respectively of the total customer base. The proportion of contract customers is continuing to grow. At the end of 2002 it represented 29.8%, 30.7% at the end of June 2003 and today stands at 31.4%."

Posted to the site on 26th January 2004