Telenor Pakistan Q3 Revenues Increase by 10%

Telenor Pakistan saw its revenues increase from NOK 1.41 billion a year ago to NOK 1.98 billion. Profits in local currency increased by 10%, which improved by persistent growth in monetary services and higher Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). Subscription and traffic revenues in local currency increased by 1%. Due to the suspension of unverified SIM cards in the second quarter, increased incoming international traffic and greater usage during Eid led to 20% increase in ARPU in local currency.

Telenor Pakistan Q3 Revenues Increase by 10%

Besides the enhanced revenue growth and lower energy costs from effective initiatives, EBITDA margin increased by 13 percentage points following the progressive effects of the abolishment of the SIM Activation tax which started from 1 July 2015, the company said. This was slightly balanced by increased commissions and tax for financial services and imposition of data tax in Punjab and Balochistan. The EBITDA margin was 38% for the quarter as it was adjusted for a one time effect related to the abolishment of the SIM tax.

The number of users increased by 1.7 million throughout the quarter making the number of total subscriptions 33.2 million at the end of the quarter. The subscription base is now 9 percent less as it was in the same quarter last year, still effected by the suspension of unverified SIM cards that was conducted in the second quarter. Almost 34 percent of the operator’s total subscribers are now active data users.

During the quarter 437 sites were added increasing the 3G coverage upto 230 cities, capital expenditure was highlighted towards extending 3G network coverage.