Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group (MCIG) is on track to match or better its prospectus forecast of a 28.8 cent distribution in 2005.

In a week where the group has acquired RG Capital, it has reported improved earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $80.9 million for the 12 months to 30 June 2004, up 88%.

The group posted a net loss of $14.4 million, narrowing the net loss of $71.1 million in the previous year, reflecting a strong performance from Broadcast Australia (BA) the transmission company which is backing the Melbourne Digital Radio Trials.

BA has ongoing contracts to provide analog and digital radio and television services for the two national broadcasters – the ABC and SBS – and is conducting the Melbourne digital radio trial.

Earlier, MCIG announced a decision by SBS to award BA a $63 million contract to provide digital television transmission services for a further 37 sites around Australia.

BA has “outperformed expectations,” achieving revenue growth of 22%.