Telus posts gains despite wireline losses; TV rollout moves along slowly

VANCOUVER- Western telco Telus reported revenues of $2.1 billion in the first quarter of 2006, a 5.1% increase over the first quarter of 2005. "(C)ontinued strong wireless performance and excellent high speed Internet and wireless subscriber growth," was behind the results, says the company's press release. EBITDA increased 1% (to $862.7 million) due to strong wireless growth, largely offset by decreased wireline profitability this quarter. Free cash flow increased 13% to $640 million during the quarter, a $74 million increase primarily due to the receipt of a cash tax recovery. "Telus achieved strong growth in high-speed Internet additions of 38,600...