Etisalat Group, a telecoms operator, has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2013, with an increase in revenues, operating profit and subscribers across its operating markets.
Eissa Al Suwaidi, chairman of Etisalat, said: "The Q3 results were positive across our operations, with consolidated revenues boosted by the positive performance of the group and by Etisalat UAE in particular.
"These results demonstrate that we are not only retaining our customers but also increasing our new customer base, and that Etisalat Group has made sound strategic decisions across our operations.
"This can be attributed to our long-term customer-centric approach, consolidation and diversification strategy, innovation and continues offering of new added-value smart services".
Etisalat Group aggregate subscriber base grew to 144 million by the end of September 2013, representing year on year growth of 11%.
In the UAE, subscriber base grew to 10.2 million and mobile subscribers grew to 8.3 million representing a year on year growth of 17% due to successful promotional campaigns and the launch of new products and services. Fixed broadband subscribers grew by 12% to 0.9 million.
In Africa, the subscriber base grew to 12.0 million at the end of September 2013 representing a growth of 6%.
Asia’s subscriber base reached 36.5 million at the end of September 2013, increasing by 28 million subscribers due to the consolidation of operations in Pakistan.
In the UAE, revenues of AED 6.1 billion for the quarter were 13% higher than in the third quarter of 2012. The quarterly year-over-year growth in revenues was primarily due to customer acquisition, an increase in the revenues of data and handsets sales.
Revenue from international consolidated operations grew by 41% to AED 3.38 billion, representing 35% of consolidated revenues.
Al Suwaidi continued: "We are truly marching forward with confidence and are fully prepared for the digital transformation age of tomorrow.
"Today we can promise our shareholders and customers that we will continue to explore new ways to help them live and work and enjoy life more, while contributing to social development and economic growth in the United Arab Emirates and all our markets at the same time".
