DOHA: Qatar’s second telecom operator Vodafone Qatar reports an 8% increase to 1,486,000 cellphone subscribers for the first-half period ended September 30 compared to the same period in 2014.
In its first-half financial results, the company reports net loss of QR 213 Million and QR 0.25 loss per share. Total revenue declined 7% to QR 1,066 Million over the same period in 2014.
The mobile average revenue per user (ARPU) dropped 13% year-on-year to QR 111, but “its stable compared to the previous quarter to 30 June 2015” the company said and added, the EBITDA achieved QR 211 Million for the period; 29% lower year-on-year, and representing an EBITDA margin of 20%.
Commenting on the results Vodafone Qatar Chairman Sheikh Dr Khalid Bin Thani Al-Thani said, “Year-on-year Vodafone Qatar’s performance for the half-year reflects the full impact of the aggressive price competition on our customer ARPUs and revenue.” The company expects better results in the second half based on positive trend, he said. “Our postpaid customers have grown by nearly 50% thanks to our network enhancements and competitive postpaid portfolio.” The company invested more than QR 150 Million in expanding its network infrastructure and improved 3G and 4G coverage, he added.
