PCCW, the leading communications provider in Hong Kong, Wednesday reported a net profit of 1.638 billion Hong Kong dollars (210 million US dollars) in 2004 compared to a 782 million US dollars loss a year ago.

The strong performance in 2004 was backed by substantial growth in the Unihub and broadband businesses and accelerated uptake of the NOW TV service, while the traditional telecom business continued to stabilize in a very competitive market, the company said.

According to PCCW, the company proposed a final dividend of 9.6 cents Hong Kong cents per share. Together with the interim dividend paid in November, 2004, the total dividend for 2004 is 15.1 cents Hong Kong cents per share.

(Xinhua News Agency March 31, 2005)