Bangkok--Nov 15--DTAC
Total Access Communication Plc.’s ("DTAC") revenues in the nine months ending September 30, 2004 were 28.8 billion baht. This is 26% higher than in the corresponding period in 2003. Net profit was 3.4 billion baht, which is an increase of 130% compared to the first nine months of 2003.
For the first nine months of 2004, average revenue per customer (“ARPU”) remained stable for postpaid customers and increased by 18% for prepaid customers. Total number of customers increased 22% to 7.64 million, from 6.26 million as of September 30, 2003.
DTAC’s EBITDA* increased by 33% due to higher revenues and increased cost efficiencies. The EBITDA margin increased to 39% from 37%. Regulatory cost, as a percentage of service revenues, increased to 33% in the first nine months of 2004 from 30% in the corresponding period of 2003. DTAC’s regulatory costs consist of access charges, revenue sharing and excise taxes.
DTAC’s Co-CEO’s, Mr. Vichai Bencharongkul and Mr. Sigve Brekke, said that continuous service innovation was behind the encouraging operating results. “In the last couple of months we have introduced ‘Happy’ prepaid services such as Jaidee Borrowing and Jaidee Exchange. These services are the first of its kind and lets customers borrow a small emergency amount and exchange validity on prepaid cards to calling time and vice versa.”
The Co-CEO’s also said that focus on network quality and expansion had lifted DTAC’s brand, especially among the more sophisticated customers. “The improvements in our voice and data network have enabled us to penetrate the corporate solutions segment, where we can offer customers high-speed data solutions on our EDGE network in Greater Bangkok and nationwide GPRS network. They cited mobile logistics tracking, business productivity center and EDGE Turbo Aircard as recent successes.”
For the remainder of 2004, DTAC’s Co-CEO’s anticipates continued market growth: “Pricing pressure may continue, but we aim to take our fair share of growth by focusing on our segmented market approach. We are also aiming to grow value added services, by leveraging on our network quality.”
“Finally we are encouraged by the establishment of the National Telecommunications Commission. The Telecom Law of 2001 was created to benefit Thai consumers and society and we are excited about the law coming into practice.”
*Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) End.