Bangkok--11 Aug--Thaicom
Thaicom Public Company Limited (THCOM), a leading Asian satellite operator, was ranked 8th among Top Fixed Satellite Service Operators in the 2014 world rankings by SpaceNews, a leading space industry publication. In another recent success, Thaicom’s telecommunications subsidiary in Lao PDR was granted a 25-year extension of its concession, strengthening potential for international business growth. The Company reported its operating results for the first half of 2015, posting a consolidated net profit of Baht 1,112 million, up by 24.0% compared to the same period of 2014.
Suphajee Suthumpun, Chief Executive Officer of Thaicom PLC, said: "In the first half of 2015, Thaicom advanced to 8th in the world among satellite operators in the 2014 rankings (up from 10th in 2013) by SpaceNews, a leading global publication covering news in the satellite and space industry. The ranking reflects Thaicom’s strong progress and leadership potentials as a world-renowned Asian satellite operator.”
In the first half of 2015, consolidated revenue from sale of goods and rendering of services totaled Baht 6,013 million, increased by Baht 201 million or 3.5% from Baht 5,812 million Baht in the first half of 2014. Increased year-over-year revenue from satellite services, combined with significant growth in profit from investment in joint ventures, lead to consolidated net profit of Baht 1,112 million, up by 24.0% compared to the same period of 2014.There was also sizeable revenue growth generated from broadcasting services, with the number of television channels boarded on Thaicom’s conventional satellite platform reaching 766 channels, in addition to growth in revenue realized through increased use of THAICOM 7 since the end of 2014.
“Even amidst slowing economic growth and instability in exchange rates between currencies, Thaicom has maintained stable earnings through appropriate financial management policies and efficient management of risks associated with exchange rates, as well as capable management demonstrated by creating added value through end-to-end services and controlling administrative costs. All of these factors, coupled with the enduring necessity of satellite use as the infrastructure for telecommunications, converge to sustain and propel Thaicom’s satellite business,” Mrs. Suthumpun stated.
Beyond success in satellite business, Thaicom also succeeded in obtaining an early extended concession for its subsidiary, Lao Telecommunications Company Limited (LTC), to operate mobile network services in Lao PDR for an additional 25 years, beginning in 2022 and ending in 2046. Thaicom is confident that this particular investment in the telecommunications sector will generate revenue and strengthen potential for international business growth.
“All along, LTC has had good performance results. The number of subscribers has increased continually and LTC still maintains the top slot in the Laotian market, with 49.52% of the market share and over 1.8 million subscribers. Use of Internet services, particularly HSPA mobile broadband, has increased and there has been consistent growth in the number of CDMA Fixed Wireless Phone users. Based on the clear direction of the market in Lao PDR, and the large unmet demand of the target group, Thaicom decided to increase investment in telecommunications in Lao PDR by providing a loan through its subsidiary that would allow LTC to extend its concession to conduct telecommunications business in Lao PDR. As an opportunity to expand LTC’s business and also a possibility to be a part of the Lao Securities Exchange in the future, Thaicom is confident that this investment in LTC will generate long-term gains for Thaicom,” Mrs. Suthumpun added.
Thaicom’s Internet and media services subsidiary, CS LoxInfo Public Company Limited (CSL), saw continued growth in its ICT business, with the number of subscribers to corporate leased line and Internet data center services increasing by 2% and 5%, respectively, from the previous quarter. DTV Service Public Company Limited (DTV) is focused on business expansion through the DTV Multi Dwelling Unit Project which provides end-to-end solutions for condominiums, apartments, and hotels through a variety of customizable products. DTV also continues to provide platform services, developing new platforms and applications to meet customer needs.