Banglalink posts record revenue
Banglalink logged in Tk 1,220 crore in revenue in the first quarter of 2016 -- the highest in its 11-year history, raising hopes that it will finally turn in full-year profits this year.
"This is the highest revenue in a single quarter for Banglalink," Erik Aas, the operator's chief executive officer and managing director, said at a press briefing yesterday.
Both voice and data growth accounted for the record revenue, which was an increase of 6 percent from a year earlier.
"Voice revenue is still growing -- we are surprised that people are still talking much."
Between January and March, the operator's data revenue soared 60 percent from a year earlier to Tk 107 crore.
"We planned to be a profitable last year, but unfortunately we missed the mark. But we are very much hopeful we will be a profitable company this year."
At the end of March, Banglalink's active subscriber base stood at 3.16 crore, a decline of about two lakh from a year earlier.
"This is not a reduction. Rather, this is an adjustment of the customer base and the whole industry has been going through the same scenario in the last few months," Aas said.
All mobile subscribers have to re-register with biometric details by May 31 to continue to use their numbers.
As of Sunday, Banglalink has re-registered 2.5 crore of its subscribers.
The process, which started on December 16 last year, has resulted in the operators shedding customers, but Banglalink is looking at the bright side.
The move will provide a solid and secure customer base from which the operator can develop new revenue streams such as e-commerce, content and payment solutions.
The biometric re-registration will also be helpful in reducing illegal international call termination, Aas said.
At the end of March, Banglalink's 3G network covered 34 percent of the population.
Currently, the operator has 9,700 sites across the country, of which 4,600 sites are 3G-enabled. Banglalink plans to increase its 3G-enabled sites to 6,000 by next June, according to Aas.
"We believe that offering digital services is the path to the future. The use of smartphones will grow tremendously, and enable our customers to have their digital lives literally at their fingertips."
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