Optus has reported a rise in operating revenue for the first quarter of 4.8% to $2.1 billion and an increased focus on postpaid customers saw the telco add over 54,000 postpaid subscribers for the three months.
Optus attributed the lift in revenue for the quarter to higher mobile and NBN revenues, but says this was partially offset by a decline in wholesale fixed revenues.
The telco also reported that net profit remained stable at $171 million following an increase in depreciation and amortisation from network investments and net finance expenses – and for the first quarter EBITDA growth was 2.6% from $645 million to $662 million.
And, Australia’s number two ranked telco behind Telstra reported that the number of 4G mobile customers increased by 85,000 for the quarter, which it says brings the total 4G customer base to 5.88 million at the end of June.
{loadposition peter}Optus says 4G Plus customers now account for 60% of its total mobile customer base, while there are now 279,000 customers on the national broadband network.
Optus recently announced it was investing $1 billion in expanding and strengthening its regional mobile network and also says it is now reaching 96.4% of 4G population coverage.
And in consumer mass market fixed, Optus reports operating revenue grew 13.2% for the quarter mainly on higher NBN migration and NBN customer growth of 143,000 from a year ago.
Optus chief executive officer Allen Lew says the first quarter result is built on consistent investment in the company’s network “and the creation of content and new services that resonate with customers, with the promise of more to come”.
Lew says the telco has demonstrated its commitment to “innovation and enhancing its content suite for customers”, with the launch of an exclusive, multimedia mobile app with National Geographic that combines National Geographic print, photography and video resources “in a unique way”.
Lew also cites Optus’ introduction of a cloud-based mobile-led PABX product called Optus Loop for small and medium business (SMB) operators “to challenge traditional PABX services”.
“Our comprehensive regional and metropolitan network investment strategy is delivering positive momentum for our business,” Lew says.
“With National Geographic and our exclusive English Premier League offerings we are looking to expand the appeal of our content suite to even larger audiences with an appetite for premium entertainment and game-changing content.”