VimpleCom Reaches 205 Million Mobile Users

Russia's VimpleCom reported Q4 2011 revenues of US$5.878 billion, up 5% YOY on an organic basis, and a net loss attributable to of US$386 million including special charges. Actual twelve months 2011 results reflect the consolidation of Italy's Wind Telecom as of April 15, 2011.


Some operating highlights:

The total mobile subscriber base increased 13% YoY to 205 million by the end of the fourth quarter. The largest absolute contribution came from accelerated growth in subscribers in the Africa & Asia Business Unit. The company also achieved strong growth in fixed and mobile broadband in Russia, Italy and Ukraine.


In Russia, the subscriber growth rate decreased in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, in line with the announced strategy to focus on profitable growth. Mobile broadband subscribers in Russia increased 32% YoY to 2.5 million and fixed broadband subscribers grew 46% YoY to almost 2.1 million.


The Company's Italian business continued to outperform the broader Italian telecom market in the fourth quarter despite the ongoing weak macroeconomic environment and unfavorable regulatory developments. VimpelCom strengthened its market position in Italy in both mobile and fixed-line, increasing its revenue share in both segments. The fixed broadband subscriber base increased 12% YoY to more than 2.1 million, with an increase in Fixed Broadband revenues of 21% YoY, while Mobile broadband revenues increased 43% YoY.

In the Africa & Asia Business Unit, the Company achieved strong growth in its subscriber base across all countries of operation, exceeding 82 million in total. Solid performance across the main operations led to organic revenue growth of 5% YoY. Reported net operating revenues increased by 3% YoY, adversely impacted by local currency devaluation against the USD in the main operating countries of Algeria, Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as the liquidation of the handset business of "Ring".


The Ukraine Business Unit continued to deliver healthy top line revenue growth in mobile and fixed data revenues and doubled its fixed line broadband subscribers. Mobile data revenue grew 12% YoY to UAH 218 million driven by increased usage of data services in USB modem offers and within the new bundled tariff plans.


The CIS Business Unit delivered double digit revenue growth in all of its markets with the exception of Armenia, and was able to maintain high quality subscriber growth.
http://www.vimplecom.com