Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) has reported revenue of SGD4.45bn for the third quarter of 2009, an increase of 20.2%, compared to SGD3.7bn for the same period last year, mainly driven by steady growth from Singapore and Australia and assisted by the stronger Australian dollar.
For the third quarter ended December 31, 2009, the company posted an operational EBITDA of SGD1.23bn, an increase of 16.7% compared to SGD1.06bn for the same period last year.
The company reported a net profit of SGD991m, an increase of 24% compared to SGD779m for the same period last year, due the improved perofrmance of businesses in Singapore, Australia and regional mobile associates.
Revenue from Singapore business grew 1.5% to SGD1.53bn while Australia business revenue rose by 33.1% to SGD2.92bn from SGD2.19bn in the same period last year.
As of December 31, 2009, the group’s regional mobile customer base grew by 23% or 52 million to 285 million, compared to the same period a year ago.
Chua Sock Koong, CEO of SingTel Group, said: “The Singapore and Australia businesses stood out for their exceptional performance in mobile under highly competitive market conditions. In India, despite the intensive price competition, we are confident that our joint venture Bharti Airtel, as the market leader and one of the most visible and trusted brands in India, will be able to leverage its scale advantage and emerge as the long term winner.”