News

31 October 2019: AIS reported a strong 9M19 performance with core service revenue of Bt104,883mn, growing 5.2% YoY, and net profit of Bt24,019mn, increasing 5.1% YoY. AIS strongly maintains its number 1 market share with respect to both revenue and number of subscribers in mobile business– currently serving 41.6mn users. AIS Fibre, the broadband internet business, saw an increase subscribers in 3Q19, the highest level in the past 11 quarters, while the total subscribers grew to 937,000. This emphasizes AIS’s industry leading position, its capability to generate sustainable profits as well as its responsibility to all stakeholders. AIS continues to focus on innovation development and preparation for 5G.

Somchai Lertsutiwong, Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Info Service PLC. or AIS, said “The past 9 months companies are faced with intense and dynamic competition, but AIS is prepared by strengthen our staff capabilities as well as innovations to provide the best quality service. We continue to uplift Thailand’s digital infrastructure. As a result, we have unfailingly been given trust by our customers and stakeholders. Overall, in 9M19, we delivered total revenue of Bt133,969mn, increasing 6.9% YoY, while our net profit was reported at Bt24,019mn, increasing 5.1% YoY. AIS has been the only operator to deliver tens of billions baht of net profits continuously. This year we continue to invest Bt20,000 – 25,000mn for mobile, fixed broadband network expansion. We also continuously invest in research and development of 5G use cases to explore new revenue opportunities.

With regard to the mobile business, the revenue continued to rise 4.3% YoY from an increase of 4G penetration. Currently, AIS has 41.6mn mobile subscribers and 28.5mn of which are 4G users consuming on average, 12.1 GB/month of mobile data. More recently, Ookla® Speedtest®, a leading internet speed tester, has revealed the 1H19 internet-speed survey in Thailand and ranked AIS the fastest for both mobile network and home broadband, the most extensive mobile coverage, and the best mobile operator in Thailand. This is a guarantee of our quality and superiority to the competition on the back of our progress in network innovation to deliver the best experience to customers and all Thai people.

AIS Fibre, our home broadband business, has also sustained its 9M19 revenue growth of 29% YoY. In 3Q19, AIS Fibre has recorded an increase of 81,600 customers, the highest figure in 11 quarters. As a result, total subscribers grew to 930,700, climbing toward its year-end target of 1mn subscriber milestone. AIS has offered Fixed Mobile Convergence packages for families and improved channel efficiency to fulfill the current customer lifestyle. This includes our launch of LINE Official Account, website, our AIS Call Center 1175. To further emphasize its leading innovative position in home broadband, AIS was awarded by Ookla® Speedtest® to be the fastest broadband network in Thailand this year.

“For 3Q19 results, AIS delivered continuous growth in both revenue and net profit. Our net profit was reported at Bt8,679mn, increasing 28% YoY and 12% QoQ, an uptrend for 5 consecutive quarters.”

Moreover, AIS focuses on building a strong fundamental future growth. Currently, we have uplifted our customer service under a slogan “Aunjai…Get more” in 4 major pillars.

1. Enhance network quality and capability in preparation for the future 5G technology
   AIS took a lead to launch the NEXT G+ trial that combine 5G and AIS Super WiFi that renders a higher speed than 5G, reaching a maximum speed of 2 Gbps on 5G devices. In addition, AIS is committed to invest in new technology such as Massive MIMO and other technique to improve network latency, a pathway toward 5G preparation.
2. Accentuate Digital Life Service offering products and services for Thai people
   AIS has been offering new products to new customer segments. Lately, AIS eSports has partnered with Facebook Gaming to gain traction in the live-streaming social online gaming. Moreover, AIS had launched AIS online insurance service allowing Thais to access insurances conveniently.
3. Build Customer Experience on the understanding of customers in all generations
   The development of AIS DigitALL Shop has enabled more convenience, faster customer experience, and my AIS application allowing customers to conveniently make online transactions. Also, AIS privileges program allows AIS customers to use AIS Points to redeem for special discounts from various partnered brands nationwide.
4. Conduct business with consideration of sustainability and good governance
   AIS intends to sustainably drive the digital society by launching a thought-provoking campaign “If We All Are Networks”, steering the community through the program “AunJai Cyber” to strengthen online social network immunity for Thai people. AIS has been promoting the understanding of Digital Quotient (DQ) for prevention of improper online content. Also, we act as the center in campaigning E-Waste management.

“AIS, as a leader in the telecom industry in Thailand, has been determined to provide innovative products and services and to develop the digital infrastructure that help elevate the living standard of Thai people. Moving into the 30 ^th year of operation, our 9M19 performance has reflected the success of our strong business operation and our care of all stakeholders. Recognized in the international arena, we are deeply delighted to have been selected to list on the DJSI World Index and Emerging Markets Index in 2019 for our sustainable business practice. Moreover, we have been awarded the “Asiamoney Asia's Outstanding Companies: Telecommunication” in Telecom Sector for two consecutive years by Asiamoney Magazine, the most-read financial magazine in Asia. On top of that, Brand Finance has awarded AIS the “World’s Strongest Telecoms Brand”. All of these prestigious recognitions have well reflected our vision and business practice in sustainability development,” said Somchai.

Remark: All financial figures in this release do not include the effect from TFRS 15 adoption*