Canadian cableco and mobile operator Rogers Communications reported that its total revenue decreased by 7% year-on-year to CAD3.680 billion (USD2.869 billion) in the fourth quarter of 2020, largely driven by an 8% decrease in wireless service revenue – mainly a result of lower roaming revenue due to global travel restrictions during COVID-19, and lower overage revenue, primarily as a result of the continued adoption of the 'Rogers Infinite' unlimited data plans. Wireless equipment revenue decreased as a result of a lower gross additions and lower device upgrades by existing subscribers during the pandemic. Cable revenue increased by 3% due to the migration of internet customers from legacy packages to 'Ignite Internet' offerings alongside service pricing changes. Adjusted EBITDA increased by 4% y-o-y in Q4 2020 to CAD1.590 billion, while net income was down 4% to CAD449 million.

Rogers added 245,000 net post-paid mobile customers y-o-y, including a net 114,000 in Q4, to reach 9.683 million at 31 December 2020. Pre-paid mobile users stood at 1.260 million at the end of the year, down by 142,000 in twelve months (including a net drop of 40,000 in Q4). Cable internet subscribers reached 2.598 million at end-2020, up by 64,000 in the year and 19,000 in the quarter.

Thanks to TeleGeography for this industry update.