Britain's BT Group posted third-quarter profits in line with forecasts and issued a strong outlook as it reported better-than-expected retail broadband sales.
The former UK telecoms monopoly reported 2% higher underlying profits before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of £1.44 billion.
Revenue rose 5% to £5.13 billion, ahead of forecasts.
BT does not give quarterly figures for Ireland but said In the three months from October to December its consumer broadband base grew to more than 54,000, with a 29% share of DSL broadband net additions.
BT has merged its operations North and South and now employs 3,000 on the island.
