TeliaSonera EBITDA in Moldova drops 59% y/y in Q1

The group operates wireless operator Moldcell in Moldova, a country of 3.5 million people.

"In Moldova, the EBITDA margin fell to 14.2 percent (33.3) due to high interconnect expenses driven by mobile number portability offers and a one- off charge related to classification error," the company said in its first-quarter financial report.

TeliaSonera's net sales in Moldova fell to 112 million Swedish crowns in the first three months of 2014 from 117 million crowns a year earlier.

Net sales in local currency, however, increased 4.1%, boosted by a positive development in voice and data revenues, the company said.

Moldova has three mobile operators - Moldcell, Orange and Unite.

(1 euro=9.0815 Swedish crowns)