Hutchison Announces Sharp Hike in 3G Customer Figures

December 16, 2004 - source: BWCS

Hong Kong-based conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa has announced a sharp rise in the number of 3G subscribers to its various networks worldwide. The company claims that it has 5.9 million customers using its 3 branded 3G mobile phones, as 14th December 2004. This marks an impressive 81% rise since 18 August 2004, when it reported that it had some 3.26 million customers.

Hutchison admits that the proportion of pre-pay customers has risen in the four months since August, from 49% to 58%. However, it also points out that its revenues from non-voice services now make up 21% of its average revenue per user figure. Yet Hutchison chiefs also had to admit that the ARPU figures had dropped to euros 44.5 in December, from euros 51.5 in August.

One of its major successes is in Italy where at the beginning of last month the company announced it had garnered 2 million customers. 3 says it can now offer coverage to 70% of the Italian population. This equates to 40 million potential customers in 1,250 cities. According to Hutchison, the coverage figure is due to increase to 75% by the end of 2004.