ASIA
: Hutchison Whampoa has announced an updated current customer figure
for its 3 Group businesses globally of 5.9 million, an 81% increase
on the customer figure of 3.2 million announced with the Group’s
interim results on 19 August 2004.
November
gross customer additions were over 948,000 and for the first 14 days
of December were over 496,000. These figures include 3’s operations
in Australia, Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, Sweden and the UK.
HWL Group
Managing Director Mr Canning Fok ( inset above )
said, “The sales momentum across the businesses in the 3 Group
represents the fastest rate of growth ever achieved by a new operator
and we are therefore extremely pleased with the progress of these
businesses.”
“With the
launch of new handset models in November, unconstrained handset supply
and an industry leading range of high-quality content services delivered
over stable, high speed networks, we are looking forward to continued
strong sales in the run up to Christmas. I am today more confident
and optimistic than ever about the prospects for our 3 businesses
worldwide,” Mr Fok continued.
Selected key business
indicators for the combined 3 Group businesses are as follows:
A. At end-of-period
18 August 2004 14 December 2004
Customers 3,256,323 5,900,759
Pre-paid portion 49% 58%
B. For the month
of July 2004 November 2004
Revenue HK$1,242 million HK$2,266 million
Gross customer additions 697,701 948,220
Daily gross customer additions 22,500 31,600
Average customer acquisition cost €252 €270
Average revenue per user (“ARPU”) €51.46 €44.45
Non-voice % of ARPU 15% 21%