DIGICEL Group grew revenues by eight per cent to US$2.78 billion for the year ending 31 March 2013.

The telecommunication giant, which operates in 30 markets throughout the Caribbean, El Salvador and the South Pacific, reported EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) of US$1.2 billion, up 11 per cent year on year, with the most recent quarter contributing US$318 million.

With subscribers up one per cent to 12.9 million across the 30 markets worldwide, performance has been strong with revenue growth driven in particular by Haiti, Papua New Guinea, Trinidad & Tobago and Suriname, the company said.

Digicel added that, as it continues to roll out 4G networks based on HSPA+ technology and to expand the range of smartphones it offers, data and value-added services revenues stood at 23 per cent of service revenues – up from 20 per cent for the prior year quarter.

“We are very pleased with the continued growth we are seeing across our markets and with the customer response to the rollout of our 4G networks. We will continue to focus on growing our ICT/Business Solutions portfolio and on driving data usage across our customer base,” Group CEO Colm Delves said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to our dedicated staff and loyal customers and to assure them of our continued commitment to best value, service and network and to growing our communities,” Delves added.

Digicel listed among its key achievements for the period under review:

The launch of 4G services based on HSPA+ in the British Virgin Islands, Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago — and LTE in Antigua & Barbuda.

Completion of the integration of the Voila business and network in Haiti.

ICT/Business Solutions revenues increased by 94% for the year and now represent three per cent of services revenues.

Issuance of a total of US$1.3 billion of Digicel Group Limited senior notes due 2021 at six per cent with the proceeds being used to refinance existing notes and for general corporate purposes.