JSE-listed Vodacom has reported a strong group performance during the quarter ended December 31, as growth continues in the South African and international operations.
Vodacom posted a 6.7% increase in group revenue to R22.6-billion and a 5.5% rise in service revenue to R18.4-billion.
Group data revenue increased by 9.7% to R6.6-billion, supported by a 19.5% growth in international data revenue.
“Our strategy of sustained investment into our network and improving customer experience has delivered solid gains in customer numbers in South Africa, and driven growth in our international operations, resulting in stronger growth in group revenue of 6.7%,” said Vodacom group CEO Shameel Joosub.
In South Africa, service revenue grew 4.9% to R14.1-billion and revenue expanded 6.2% to R18.2-billion, on the back of strong customer gains and data revenue growth.
On the international front, growth accelerated for the third consecutive quarter, with service revenue increasing by 8.7% to R4.6-billion and revenue increasing by 9.3% to R4.7-billion.
Overall, 2.5-million group active customers were added during the quarter – 1.6-million in South Africa and 900 000 in the international operations – reaching 73.6-million active customers across the group and representing growth of 13% year-on-year.
In South Africa, the customer base grew 14.4% to 41.6-million, contributing to the 6.2% increase in revenue, underpinned by a resilient prepaid voice market and a highly successful summer campaign.
“Driven by strong customer growth, a solid performance from M-Pesa and sustained demand for data, our international operations continue to gain momentum,” he concluded.