Telkom on Friday published its group interim results for the six months ended September 2017, showing strong growth in its mobile division.<\/p>\n
Mobile service revenue recorded a 43.2% growth to R2.28 billion, supported by a 35.9% increase in the active subscriber base to 4.4 million with a blended average revenue per user (ARPU) stable at R92.<\/p>\n
This, the group said, was underpinned by an investment in its network of R1.2 billion, “extension of our distribution channels, increased store footprint and innovative data-led product suite launched in the prior year and now gaining traction”.<\/p>\n
Postpaid subscribers increased 36.3% to 1.3 million, with an ARPU of approximately R184. Prepaid subscribers grew 35.7% to 3 million, with ARPU holding steady at R53.<\/p>\n
“Our mobile broadband-led strategy delivered a strong performance with mobile data revenue increasing 59.8% to R1.627 billion supported by 108% growth in data usage. The refarming of our 1800 MHz spectrum is paying dividends with smartphone subscribers increasing by 28.4% to 2.1 million.<\/p>\n
“Our fixed wireless LTE Smart Broadband offerings continue to do well with an increase of 72% in LTE subscribers, driven by our popular “Deal of the Month” and an improved quality and footprint expansion of our 2300 MHz LTE network,” the group said.<\/p>\n
Overall, Telkom reported a marginal decline (0.6%) in group interim operating revenue for the period ended September 2017, to R20.10 billion. Net operating revenue was down 0.9% to R15.79 billion.<\/p>\n
Capital expenditure improved 9.2% to R3.97 billion, while headline earnings per share was down 7.4% to 303.9 cents per share.<\/p>\n
The board declared an interim dividend of 118 cents per share.<\/p>\n
Results from the mobile division:<\/p>\n