Telecom operator Grameenphone has reported revenues of Tk7,421.8 crore for the first six months of 2022, logging a growth of 5.2 percent from the same period last year.

In the second quarter, the company acquired 0.9 million new subscribers, reaching 84.6 million subscribers at the end of the first half.

Grameenphone CEO Yasir Azman said: "We continued to expand our network and spectrum rollout, reaching over 18.4K 4G sites within the first half of 2022. Driven by enhanced network experience and innovative products, our subscribers grew by 3.2 percent year-on-year to 84.6 million while 4G users grew by 32.7 percent from last year, reaching 31.5 million."

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"Top-line improvement continued as we wrap up the first half of 2022 supported by growth in revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). Total revenues registered a growth of 5.2 percent, reaching Tk7,421.8 crore for the first six months," Jens Becker, CFO of Grameenphone, said.

"In the first half, subscription and traffic revenues grew by 5.6 percent from last year. The data segment continued as the key driver behind our performance, with a 5.7 percent growth in data users and 52.9 percent growth in data usage."

"In the first half, EBITDA grew by 3 percent year-on-year driven by top-line growth, with a 61.1 percent  EBITDA margin. Net profit after tax improved to Tk1,730.5 crore, with a margin of 23.3 percent," Jens said.

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"We are pleased to announce that the board of directors recommended an interim dividend of Tk12.50 per share for our shareholders at the board meeting held on July 17, 2021."

During the second quarter of 2022, Grameenphone invested Tk560.2 crore in network coverage and expansion. At the end of the quarter, the operator's total number of sites stood at 19,439.

The company paid Tk5,430 crore equaling 73.1 percent of its total revenues, to the national exchequer in the form of taxes, VAT, duties, fees, 4G licence and spectrum assignment during the first half of 2022, according to a media statement.

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