(Telecompaper) Telenor reported organic sales growth of 1.5 percent in the first quarter, in line with its full-year outlook for growth in the low single digits. The growth was led by its activities in south Asia, which accounted for the bulk of the around 6 million mobile customers added in the quarter. Telenor's total revenues rose to NOK 26.52 billion from NOK 24.712 billion a year earlier, with growth in all markets except Thailand. Adjusted EBITDA improved to NOK 9.30 billion from NOK 8.42 billion, thanks to improvements in Asia and Sweden. The EBITDA margin rose to 35.1 percent from 34.1 a year ago, and Telenor said it still expects a stable margin over the full year. Net profit was up slightly, to NOK 3.68 billion from NOK 3.60 billion. Capital expenditure jumped to NOK 6.60 billion from NOK 2.87 billion due to NOK 2.9 billion for the licence in Myanmar, while operating cash flow was stable, at NOK 5.60 billion. Telenor said it was an "encouraging" start to the year. It will continue to focus on growth through mobile data services, as well as returning to revenue growth in Thailand and increasing returns in Norway. The capex budget was maintained at 16 percent of annual sales, excluding spectrum and licence fees.