Banglalink revenue up 29pc

Banglalink's revenue earnings shot up 29 percent by the end of the first half of 2009 from the same period in 2008.
Revenue earnings jumped from Tk 920 crore in June 2008 to Tk 1,183 crore in June 2009.
"These positive results were driven by revenue enhancement initiatives aimed at the existing base," according to Orascom Telecom Holding's (OTH) half yearly financial result, posted on the company website yesterday.
Despite a rise in connection rates, Banglalink's subscriber base increased by 17 percent to 11.04 million at the end of the first half of 2009, which was 9.45 milion in the same time last year.
The company's market share also went up to 23.7 percent till June 2009, compared to 21.6 percent a year ago, according to Egyptian telecom giant OTH, Banglalink's parent company.
The monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) also reported an increase of 18 percent to Tk 182 at the end of June, compared to Tk 154 in the same time last year.
"Banglalink continues to grow with strong subscriber take-up and a stable ARPU. It now has a positive EBITDA and reached an impressive 40 percent plus margin in Q2," said Naguib Sawiris, chairman of OTH.
During the first-half of 2009, Banglalink achieved an EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) of Tk 417 crore as a result of a decrease in customer acquisition costs and an increase in revenues.
Among the six mobile operators, Banglalink still holds the market's second position in terms of subscriber base.