Without undue fanfare the majority Spanish-owned Telefónica O2 Czech Republic has signed up with the Fixed-Mobile Convergence Alliance (FMCA). The move adds another 7.2mn to the 810mn customer base serviced by the FMCA membership worldwide.

Telefónica, O2 and Telefónica O2 Czech Republic are individually and collectively heading off down the fixed-mobile convergence (FMCA) trail. In July the Spanish holding company reorganised its global activities into three FMC-oriented divisions (click). This move followed purchase in June of a fixed line broadband capability by UK wireless operator O2 (click), and the integration of the operations of Cesky Telecom and Eurotel in the Czech Republic that was formally launched on 01 July.

Telefónica O2 Czech Republic has just reported its unaudited results for the first nine months of 2006. Consolidated revenues (business and recurring revenues) reached CZK45.6bn in the first nine months of 2006, up 0.6% yoy, and up 2.0% yoy in Q3 alone. The company’s mobile business (4.760mn subscribers) was the key driver of this growth, while the fixed business (2,537mn accesses) continued to decline. Total consolidated operating costs reached CZK24.1bn, down by 1.1% yoy. Consolidated OIBDA amounted to CZK22.2bn, up by 4.1% yoy, according to the company statement confirming the strong performance and tight cost control seen in previous quarters of 2006. OIBDA margin (OIBDA over Business revenues) reached 48.9% in the first nine months of 2006, compared to 47.2% in the same period of 2005. OIBDA margin in Q3 reached 49.6%.
John Williamson