Net operating profit of mobile phone operator - Robi Axiata Ltd - jumps to 301 per cent in 2013 compared to the previous year, for taking cost effective measures in different segments, said officials.
The company has made net profit of Tk 3.65 billion in 2013 which was Tk 0.91 billion in 2012, according to its financial performance, disclosed at a press conference in the city Thursday.
Robi chief financial officer Mahtab Uddin Ahmed presented details of the performance in the programme.
"A strong growth in subscriber base, subsidy reduction in new subscriber acquisition, cost reduction in network expansion and efficient management have led to enhancement of the company's profitability," said Robi executive vice president Mahmudur Rahman.
He also said Robi always focuses on maximization of operational performance to provide the best service to its customers.
Its total revenue earning increased by 16 per cent from Tk 38.9 billion in 2012 to Tk 45.2 billion in 2013.
Besides, the country's third largest telecom operator has added 4.3 million new subscribers to its network in 2013, taking the total number of subscribers to 25.4 million by the year-end.
However, the Robi CFO expressed concern regarding the National Board of Revenue's (NBR) recent SIM replacement tax claim.
"We want to see a quick solution to the issue, and we are engaged with the relevant stakeholders".
Replaying to a question, Robi chief market officer (CMO) Pradeep Shrivastava said the telecom regulator-set quality parameters for standard service will not be possible to materialize in this existing pricing system for mobile phone services.
He mentioned that mobile call rate is the lowest here, but taxation is very high.
According to the financial report, Robi's annual capital expenditure (CAPEX) amounted to Tk 12.8 billion or US$ 165.8 million in 2013, which is 57.3 per cent higher than 2012.
In fourth quarter (Q4) of 2013, its revenue dipped by 6.0 per cent to Tk 11.0 billion from Tk 11.7 billion in Q3, largely due to adverse externalities experienced during the period.
EBITDA (earnings before tax, depreciation and amortization) dropped 38 per cent to Tk 2.9 billion in Q4 from Tk 4.7 billion in Q3, primarily due to revenue fall, increased operational expenses, and 3G-related costs.
