The Group’s combined mobile customer base reached 692 million, down 14 million from a year ago on declines in Indonesia and India.

Telkomsel’s revenue fell 4% due to the steep 24% decline in traditional voice and SMS revenues on increased popularity of OTT apps and higher smartphone penetration. The decline was partly mitigated by 21% growth in data and digital services as Telkomsel’s digital businesses gained traction. EBITDA fell 9% on lower revenue and higher network expenses from the accelerated deployment of its 4G network. With a weaker Indonesian Rupiah, Telkomsel’s post-tax contribution declined 18%. Its mobile customer base was impacted by churn due to the SIM card registration exercise.

AIS’ service revenue (excluding interconnect and equipment rental) grew 1%. The increase was driven by higher fixed broadband revenue and the consolidation of CS Loxinfo acquired in January 2018, partly offset by decline in mobile revenue due to intense price competition. EBITDA rose 3% on revenue growth and lower marketing spend. Including higher depreciation charges from 4G network investments and new spectrum amortisation, AIS’ post-tax contribution dipped 1.7%.

Globe delivered a solid performance with double-digit growth in EBITDA and earnings. Service revenue grew 6% driven by robust data growth in mobile and broadband. EBITDA rose 22% on strong revenue growth and lower selling expenses. Despite higher depreciation charges and share of equity losses from its associates, Globe’s post-tax ordinary contribution rose strongly by 39%. The share of Globe’s one-off gain in FY 2018 arose from the increase in fair value of its retained interest in its associate. With the absence of exceptional gain this year, overall post-tax contribution grew 24%.

Intouch’s ⁽¹⁾ post-tax contribution decreased 4.4% on lower contribution from AIS and a one-off disposal gain on the sale of an investment last year. After including amortisation of acquired intangibles, Intouch’s post-tax contribution declined by 7.5%.

The Group’s share of Airtel’s post- tax loss (excluding its net exceptional gain) was S$131 million, compared to the share of post-tax profit of S$101 million in FY 2018. The losses were mainly due to a steep decline in ARPU on disruptive price competition. Airtel Africa reported strong growth in operating revenue and EBITDA. Airtel’s total mobile customers declined mainly from India due to implementation of minimum recharge plans.

Including the share of Bharti Telecom Limited’s (BTL) net loss of S$40 million (FY 2018: S$18 million) mainly from net finance expense, total share of post-tax losses of Airtel and BTL amounted to S$171 million, compared to share of net profit of S$83 million in FY 2018.

Airtel recorded some one-off items in the current year which have been classified as exceptional items of the Group. The exceptional items comprised mainly fair value gains on deconsolidation of a subsidiary and write-back of accruals on re-assessment of levies partly offset by other charges. Including the share of Airtel’s net exceptional gain of S$206 million, overall contribution from Airtel and BTL was a net profit of S$34 million, down 53% from last year.