Consolidated Communications adds 1.6k IPTV subscribers in 4Q09

MATTOON, Ill. — Consolidated Communications Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:CNSL) reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2009.

“I am pleased to report another strong quarter and full year of financial and operating results. We executed on our plan and continued to invest in the business, while delivering a very comfortable and best ever 58.4% annual payout ratio,” said Bob Currey, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“During the quarter, we grew total connections by 1,900 compared to a loss of 1,400 connections in the fourth quarter of 2008. Line losses continued to improve in the fourth quarter reflecting the lowest quarterly loss in over two years. Our growth in broadband products continues. DSL subscribers grew by 2,400 in the quarter raising our industry leading penetration to 40% of ILEC access lines, and we delivered another strong quarter of IPTV subscriber additions with over 1,600. Pair bonding technology allowed us to pass an additional 18,000 homes with IPTV service resulting in year-end addressable homes of 188,000.”

Operating Statistics:

                     December  September  December
                          31,        30,       31,
                         2009       2009      2008
                     --------  ---------  --------
IPTV subscribers       23,127     21,518    16,666

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