Net income increased 40.2% in 2000 to R$577.1 million from R$ 411.6 million in 1999, which in turn represented an increase of 233.1% from R$123.6 million in 1998. The net increase in 2000 was due mainly to strong revenue growth, reduced line costs (as a percentage of revenue), the gain on the sale of a minority interest in our satellite subsidiary and the income tax benefits from recording interest on capital in lieu of dividends.