Today’s telecom news includes announcements on UMS, Telkom South Africa, Telekom Malaysia, Maxis, CelcomDigi, U Mobile, and YTL Communications.
Uzbekistan Opens Telecom Market: UMS Up for Full Privatisation
Uzbekistan has begun the full privatisation of mobile operator Universal Mobile Systems (UMS), also branded as Mobiuz. The government plans to sell 100 percent of the company’s equity to domestic or international investors. Rothschild & Co has been appointed as the lead consultant, with KPMG serving as financial consultant. UMS serve over 7.8 million customers and reported 2024 net revenue of 2.08 trillion Uzbek soms ($164 million). The company was originally formed as a joint venture with Russian telecom firm MTS. In 2016, the Uzbek government acquired the full stake. The privatisation process is being handled by the state asset management agency, which will accept bids until August 1, Reuters reports.
Telkom South Africa Delivers Profit Surge, Resumes Dividends After 4 Years
Telkom, South Africa’s main fixed-line network operator, has resumed dividend payments after a four-year suspension. The company reported a 62.3 percent increase in full-year earnings and improved free cash flow. It will return 1.3 billion rand ($73.28 million) to shareholders, which includes a special dividend from the sale of Swiftnet, its mast and tower business. Revenue rose 3.3 percent to 43.8 billion rand. Mobile service revenue grew by 10.2 percent, while fibre-related data revenue rose 10 percent. Headline earnings per share reached 467.5 cents for the year ended March 31. Free cash flow increased to 2.8 billion rand, up from 424 million rand. The company credited cost control measures and asset disposals. Telkom also upgraded its medium-term revenue growth guidance. Its shares rose 7 percent following the announcement, Reuters reports.
Malaysia’s Top Telcos Unite to Safeguard Mobile Data Amid MCMC Oversight
Telekom Malaysia, Maxis, CelcomDigi, U Mobile, and YTL Communications have issued statements confirming compliance with data protection laws in response to actions by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The statements address the use of mobile phone data (MPD) for official statistical reporting. U Mobile confirmed that all data shared is anonymized, aggregated, and excludes personally identifiable information. Telekom Malaysia noted that all MPD submitted is shared under governance and security protocols. The MCMC clarified that it does not collect or process individual customer information and that anonymized data is used only for official statistics to support decision-making in areas such as ICT and tourism. The operators stated they follow internal policies and applicable legal frameworks. This development follows MCMC’s June 6 announcement concerning data collection from mobile network operators.
TelecomLead.com News Desk