Meteor adds customers in third quarter

Mobile phone operator Meteor today claimed it added 18,600 customers during the third quarter of 2003, to bring its total number of users to 156,000.

Western Wireless, the US firm which is the majority owner of Meteor, disclosed the details along with its third quarter result today.

Meteor currently holds and estimated 4 per cent market share in the Republic and has not yet built out a fully national network.

However, Western Wireless said was going to invest almost €40 million in the Irish telecoms firm this year, with a target of capturing 10 per cent market share by the end of next year.

Western Wireless today reported total revenue of $ 401 million for the third quarter, a 31 per cent rise over the same period in 2002.

Its net loss for the quarter was $18.5 million or 0.23 per basic and diluted share.

According to Western Wireless ceo Mr John Stanton the company had a "fantastic third quarter".

"We posted outstanding financial results for the quarter, highlighted by solid revenue growth. We are well positioned to meet our financial goals for 2003," he added.