| MUMBAI:
UK pay TV service provider BSkyB has annnounced results for the year ended 30
June 2006. Revenue increased by eight per cent to £4.1 billion. Operating
profit increased by seven per cent to £877 million, an operating margin
of 21 per cent. DTH subscribers increased
to 8.176 million, registering a growth of 77,000 in the final quarter and 389,000
in the year. Sky+ households increased by 75 per cent to 1.553 million. Multiroom
households increased by 62 per cent to 1.047 million. This represents a 13 per
cent penetration of total DTH subscribers. Preparations were made
for the launch of Sky Broadband following the acquisition of Easynet Group. During
the year, the company launched Sky HD, new customer management systems were implemented
for all DTH customers and key rights to the FA Premier League secured for the
07/08 to 09/10 seasons.
In addition were major contracts agreed with
movie studio and third party channel partners. BSkyB also announced the creation
of over 2,000 new jobs for customer advisors and home installation engineers.
BsSkyB CEO James Murdoch said, “Our industry is changing faster than
ever before and for Sky, 2006 has been an important and exciting year. The business
and the team have performed well delivering good levels of customer growth, in
line with our plans, and strong growth in both revenues and profitability.
"We have a clear vision for the future growth and direction of our
business and we feel encouraged by the strong demand our customers show for new
entertainment and communications services. With a continued focus on providing
more choice, flexibility and control, we feel confident as we look ahead to the
substantial opportunity this market holds for us.” | 
