Sistema Shyam TeleServices (SSTL), which started its CDMA-based mobile services in the year 2009, has reported a 63% increase in its net loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, to R666 crore from R408 crore in same quarter of the previous year. However, this new entrant, which offers services under the MTS brand-name, has witnessed an increase in its revenues from R78.6 crore to R236.2 crore in first quarter of FY11, up 200%. ?During the quarter, revenue growth has been faster than the growth in total wireless (voice & data) subscriber base, up by 19% to 10.05 million. This is a strong reflection of our continued efforts to target quality customers. Further blended mobile average revenue per user (Arpu) also remained consistent as against a declining trend in the market,? said Vsevolod Rozanov, president & CEO, SSTL.
Its blended mobile Arpu for the quarter remained consistent at R82 mostly due to high Arpu from its data services. SSTL?s data card subscriber base for the quarter was up by 36% to 0.58 million. Non-voice revenues from both data and mobile value-added services for the quarter was up by 33% Q-o-Q to R58.8 crore, which contributes 25% of the total revenues and the same has increased by 2% for the quarter.
SSTL’s consolidated operating income before depreciation and amortisation loss for the quarter stands at R455.2 crore and has a negative operating margin of 282%. Its total minutes of usage on the network for the Q1 2011 was at 305 minutes. The capex investments made in India to date stands at R5,800 crore; which includes the investment of R297.1 crore made during Q1 2011.