(Reuters) – Verizon Communications Inc lost fewer-than-expected monthly phone subscribers in the first quarter, a sign the wireless carrier is benefiting from its hefty investments in expanding 5G services and new broadband networks. The company on Friday reported a loss of 36,000 monthly phone subscribers in the quarter, compared with Factset estimates of a loss of 49,300. Verizon said total revenue rose 2.1% to $33.6 billion for the three-month period, edging past Wall Street’s estimate of $33.54 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. Strong demand for high-speed internet to facilit…