HKT unveils Hong Kong’s fastest 4G service as interim earnings rise
Operator is building a 5G-ready infrastructure with roll-out of new mobile base stations and 1-gigabit per second 4G service
HKT Trust and its operating arm HKT, the largest telecommunications network operator in Hong Kong, reported a modest gain in first-half earnings amid stiff market competition and the subdued local economy.
Alex Arena, group managing director at HKT, said the results showed “the strength and resilience of our whole team” in the face of intense competitive headwinds in both the mobile and fixed-line broadband markets.
HKT posted a 3 per cent increase in interim net profit to US$306 million, up from US$297 million in the same period last year, largely on the back of an 11 per cent year-on-year decrease in operating expenses and recurring cost synergies from the integration of the former CSL New World Mobility.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation – representing net cash flows from the company’s businesses – advanced 2 per cent to US$765 million in the six months ended June 30 from US$752 million a year ago.