SingTel's mobile customer base reaches 293 million

SingTel continues strong momentum behind Optus as it records its strongest quarter in five years.

Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SingTel) announced that the Group posted strong growth in customer acquisitions with a combined regional mobile customer base of 293 million as at 31 March 2010, an increase of 17 percent, or 43 million from a year ago, according to a SingTel report.

SingTel's total mobile customer base increased 4.7 percent to 3.1 million as at 31 March 2010 and maintained its lead position with a market share of 45.2 percent.

SingTel added 25,000 new postpaid customers due to strong demand for its bundled smartphones offerings. Total postpaid customer base increased to 1.62 million, representing a leading market share of 46 percent.

Demand for 3G mobile services remained strong with increased penetration of smartphones. SingTel's total 3G mobile customer base grew steadily by 46,000 in the quarter to 1.45 million as at 31 March 2010.

In the prepaid segment, SingTel reduced the validity period of lower value cards to 90 days and deactivated 101,000 customers. This deactivation has no revenue impact and resulted in a net decline of 90,000 customers in the quarter. With a total prepaid customer base of 1.50 million, SingTel continued to lead the market with 44.4 percent market share.