The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that BCE reported higher revenue but lower net earnings in the quarter as promotional activity on mobile plans continued across the sector. The Globe's Irene Galea writes that BCE posted revenue of $6.1-billion in its first quarter, beating analyst expectations of $6-billion. Higher net earnings from the United States' fibre business and growth in the media division offset a decline in the Canadian telecom division. Net earnings were $667-million, down 2.3 per cent from last year, in part the result of higher depreciation and amortization. BCE maintained its previous guidance and dividend rate. Long-term debt was $37.4-billion as of March 31, up 7.3 per cent over the end of the previous quarter in December as BCE issued new notes. "Fundamentally, we're just executing on the three-year plan that we laid out" last year, said Bell chief financial officer Curtis Millen on Thursday. This includes selling assets and reallocating that money to "better growth opportunities," including its American fibre Internet holding and its artificial intelligence business offerings. Average revenue per user for mobile phones declined slightly in the quarter because of higher discounting.