Fibre optic growth continues at Bell Aliant, on track for 1M FTTH premises in 2014

By Lesley Hunter

HALIFAX – Continued growth in its fibre-to-the-home product FibreOp helped to power 2013 revenues at Bell Aliant, as the Maritimes-focused telecom company posted its best year-over-year revenue performance since 2008.Operating revenue for 2013 was $2.76 billion, down 0.1% from 2012, while adjusted EBITDA dropped 1.7% from $1.31 billion to $1.28 billion.Net earnings of $69 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 were up $3 million from the same quarter in 2012, driven by improved earnings in Bell Aliant GP, with adjusted EBITDA declines offset by lower depreciation and income tax expense. Operating revenues for the quarter ended December 30, 2013 were...