Centertel finally gets GSM digital standard license, plans for market shares

Centertel is the last of the three mobile companies to receive a license for a GSM digital standard and has focused on gaining market share, which have kept its results in the red. The mobile group said it had 4.0 million subscribers at the end of the quarter, a gain of 1.66 million over the last 12 months, giving it a market share of 32%. "We are switching our focus from quantity to quality, looking very closely at where we spend money and what value that spending brings," said CEO Slawomir Skrodzki. He added Centertel would almost certainly beat its target of turning profitable near the end of 2005 and, while refusing to set a new target, he said Centertel has already broken even in certain months. "There are some exceptional months when the bottom line isn't red, but black - a black zero, or maybe a little more," Skrodzki said, adding that the full year would show a net loss. Centertel's rivals - PTC, controlled by Vivendi Universal and Elektrim, and Polkomtel, whose owners are Vodafone, KGHM and PKN Orlen - will unveil their quarterly figures in the coming weeks. Analysts are divided about Centertel's chances for success, saying its growth thus far has been largely based on bringing in new pre-paid customers, while higher-spending business clients must be tempted away from PTC and Polkomtel. (Reuters)