International business continues to drag on Proximus results

Belgian telecoms group Proximus reported lower revenue and profit in the first quarter of 2026. Weak international operations continued to weigh on the company’s performance.

The company’s international division, Proximus Global, saw revenue fall by almost 19 per cent compared with the same period last year. The unit, which provides software and telecom services worldwide, has struggled for several years and was hit by a major write-down in 2025.

Group revenue fell 11.2 per cent to just over €1.5 billion, while net profit dropped nearly 10 per cent to €124 million.

In Belgium, however, Proximus performed more strongly despite intense competition. The company added 17,000 new mobile customers and 10,000 internet subscriptions during the quarter. Revenue from consumer services increased slightly, and earnings in Belgium improved thanks to cost controls.

Chief executive Stijn Bijnens said the international division remains in a “transition phase”, but suggested the decline may be slowing. Proximus still expects the unit to return to profit growth from 2027 onwards.

The company also confirmed its financial forecasts for the full year.

Separately, Proximus announced on Wednesday morning that it had reached a deal with sports streaming platform DAZN to broadcast Belgian football again from next season.

^{© BELGA PHOTO NICOLAS MAETERLINCK}