TPSA still growing, but now largely thanks to mobile calls

Telecoms giant TPSA on Monday reported a small first quarter rise in revenues on the back of soaring mobile calls. The operator, whose results are consolidated by its key owner France Telecom, said headline revenues grew 2.5% to zł. 4.49 billion in January-March against market expectations of zł. 4.52 billion and last year's zł. 4.38 billion. TPSA, which released the figures after the Warsaw bourse closed, said revenues from its core fixed-line clients shrank 3.7% to zł. 3.63 billion, while sales at mobile arm Centertel jumped nearly 33% to zł. 972 million. The firm, which has largely completed a tough cost cutting program after its core fixed-line calls market stagnated, said it expects 3-5% sales growth during 2003. The full first quarter results will be released on May 12. (Parkiet, p. 3; Reuters) J.K.