Mobile telephony operator Connex registered total service revenues worth 162.4 million dollars during the April-June 2004 period, while its OIBDA stood at 85.7 million dollars.
Figures point to a 27.7% increase in revenues as compared to the similar period of last year, while the number of subscribers rose by 48.9% to reach 4.089 million. Operating income before depreciation and amortisation (OIBDA) increased by 20% against the same period of last year. In the second quarter of year 2003, Connex logged service revenues amounting to 127.2 million dollars, and OIBDA worth 71.4 million dollars. The operator’s total number of subscribers stood at 2.746 million.
Positive results come to confirm the increase of the customer base and the strong focus on the business segment services, as explained by Ted Lattimore, President and COO of Connex. At the same time, profitability continues to be one of the company’s priorities.
Still, there are also declining indices in the case of Connex. The company’s market share dropped to 48.8% as compared to 49% in the second quarter of 2003, while the number of postpaid subscribers currently accounts for 35% of Connex’ total subscriber base, as compared to 36% in the second quarter of 2003. Also in Connex’ case, the average revenue per user went down. While in the second quarter of 2003 this index stood at 14.4 dollars, at present it has reached about 12.84 dollars. At the same time, OIBDA as a percentage of service revenue decreased to 52.7% compared to 56.1% in the second quarter of last year.
Connex represents a business that is generating 1% of Romania’s GDP, and its investments since launch will reach a total of one billion dollars this year. The good results registered in the first quarter of 2004 (revenues worth 147.6 million dollars, 30.5% higher as compared to last year and OIBDA standing at 48.1 million dollars, 34.4% higher), have generated numerous rumours with regard to Vodafone’s plan to raise its participation in MobiFon. Yet, there has been no official contact in this regard so far. Vodafone, the largest mobile telephony group in terms of revenues, owns 20.1% in Connex.
dan.dragomir@zf.ro