Virgin Media sales flat: Firm bags fewer winter sign-ups than last year

But don't worry, everything's 'strong' - according to CEO

Virgin Media watched subscriptions to its broadband service plummet during its final quarter, compared with the same three-month period a year earlier.

The telco, which is owned by US cable giant Liberty Global, crumbled up against strong competition from rivals BT and BSkyB.

It pulled in just over 39,000 broadband customers in its fourth quarter ended 31 December - down from 62,700 subscribers who signed up to the service in 2012.

Virgin Media reported flat annual revenue of £4.1bn to the City this morning. The company's growth in sales stood at a lean 1.9 per cent for 2013.

It reported operating income of £156.4m for the full year.

"The strength of our consumer cable business is clear, with strong financial fundamentals and improving operational momentum towards the end of the year, even with heightened competition," said Virgin Media boss Tom Mockridge.

"As part of Liberty Global, we are investing to give customers more value for money and set ourselves for further growth in the future."

Virgin Media's has a total customer base of 4.9 million for its fibre broadband, payTV and other services. ®