Deutsche Telekom reported that net profit for the third quarter fell 20.4 per cent year on year as the operator haemorrhaged yet more traditional fixed line customers.

Profits dropped to Eur1.9bn (£1.3bn) from Eur2.4bn a year ago, while revenues increased just 2.8 per cent to Eur15.4bn.

The number of narrowband lines at the company fell from 41.7 million a year ago to 39.5 million in the third quarter although broadband lines increased to 10.6 million from 7.8 million a year ago.

Overall net revenues at the fixed line unit fell 4.2 per cent year on year to Eur6.3bn as a result, although the mobile communications division brought in Eur8.2bn in revenues, an increase of 6.8 per cent year on year.