Aliant reports 1Q profit drop

Atlantic Canada’s largest telecoms operator Aliant has reported a 4.5% drop in its first quarter profit to CAD45.7 million. Quarterly revenues increased 1.9% to CAD524.4 million from CAD514.5 million in the three months ended 31 March 2005, but a 3.1% increase in operating expenses had a knock on effect on the bottom line. Revenues from its wireless and broadband internet arms reported double digit increases of 15% and 21% respectively, although these were offset by a 6.6% decline in local and long-distance revenues.Atlantic Canada’s largest telecoms operator Aliant has reported a 4.5% drop in its first quarter profit to CAD45.7 million. Quarterly revenues increased 1.9% to CAD524.4 million from CAD514.5 million in the three months ended 31 March 2005, but a 3.1% increase in operating expenses had a knock on effect on the bottom line. Revenues from its wireless and broadband internet arms reported double digit increases of 15% and 21% respectively, although these were offset by a 6.6% decline in local and long-distance revenues.