Indonesia second largest mobile operator, Indosat Ooredoo returned to profit as it recorded double-digit growth in data users. The Operator also saw higher revenues in the consumer segment and growth in digital revenue.
Indosat posted a net profit of IDR845 billion ($64 million) for the first 9 months of the year, recovering from a loss of IDR1.12 trillion during same period in 2015. It said the results reflect continued operational improvements, revenue growth, lower interest expenses and a stabilization of the Indonesian Rupiah.
Indosat Ooredoo saw its customer base increased by 18% to more than 80 million compared with 69 million in 9M 2015, including 39.4 million data subscribers (+22%). Smartphone users now account for 48% of its total user base.
Indosat Ooredoo said that it has made investments in strategic population areas of Indonesia, with 4G coverage now reaching almost 100 cities andestablishing itself as a clear digital leader in the market.
The company which offers (prepaid and postpaid) mobile phone services, fixed voice (including IDD) services, fixed wireless and fixed telephone services, is setting aside IDR 7 trillion ($477 million) next year for its 4G network, compared to IDR 7.5 trillion this year.
