French fixed-line provider Iliad raised its net profit 75% to €76 million in 2009, and confirmed it would roll out its own mobile network in the country, rather than operate as an MVNO.
The operator said revenue grew 25% to €1.96 billion, on the back of adding 389 new ADSL subscribers to its Free brand, and a 26% rise in earnings from value added services to €484.7 million.
Broadband business Alice contributed €23.8 million to group ebitda in 2009, as the firm continued its work to integrate the business with its existing operations.
The division, which Iliad purchased in 2008, made a €14.4 million loss during the first four months of consolidated operation at the tail end of 2008.
Work to roll out France’s fourth mobile network continues at pace with Business Week reporting Iliad is in advanced talks with rival carriers covering interconnection and roaming.
Iliad, which acquired the country’s fourth mobile license last year, dismissed suggestions it was considering entering the market as an MVNO, and instead confirmed plans to spend €1 billion rolling out a network with participation from Alcatel-Lucent and NSN.