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LONDON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - A steady recovery in Europe helpedVodafone stem the rate of sales decline in its thirdquarter, putting the world's second-biggest mobile operator intouching distance of overall revenue growth once again.
The British company said on Thursday its main organicservice revenue measurement, which strips out items like handsetsales and currency movements, fell 0.4 percent in the threemonths to the end of December, helped by a return to growth inits home market.
The rate of overall decline marked an improvement on the 1.5percent fall in the second quarter and a forecast drop of 0.7percent.
The group had recorded falls in the main revenue measurementof between 4 and 5 percent in the last six quarters, asconsumers in Europe cut back on using their phones andregulatory changes forced operators to cut their fees.
It reiterated its guidance for the full year.
"We have achieved another quarter of improving revenuetrends in most of our major markets," Chief Executive VittorioColao said.
Facing tough conditions in Europe and slowing growth in itsemerging markets, Vodafone has embarked on a programme to eitherbuild or buy superfast fixed-line broadband networks, to enableit to compete with rivals offering mobile contracts alongsidetelevision, broadband or fixed-line deals.
It said fourth-generation mobile networks, or 4G, was nowavailable in 18 markets, with 13.7 million 4G customers acrossthe group. (Reporting by Kate Holton; Editing by Neil Maidment and DavidHolmes)
Vodafone (VOD)