Telecom network operator VimpelCom said its investment towards Capex reached $2,006 million (–42 percent) in 2015.
Telecom network related Capex of VimpelCom excluding license was $1,753 million (–38 percent) in 2015 and $634 million (–21 percent) in Q4 2015.
Capex excluding licenses decreased 38 percent mainly due to the depreciation of local currencies against the US dollar as well as organic Capex savings.
The company will maintain its strategy of investing in high-speed data networks to capture mobile data growth, including the continued roll-out of 4G/LTE networks in Russia, Italy and Georgia, as well as 3G networks in Algeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ukraine.
Revenue of VimpelCom was $9,625 million (–29 percent) in 2015 and $2,301 million (–23 percent) in Q4 2015.
VimpelCom generated $2,193 million from mobile and fixed service and $313 million from mobile data during the fourth quarter of 2015.
VimpelCom CEO Jean-Yves Charlier said: “We announced our new strategy to transform VimpelCom into a leading digital operator and we have made significant progress in the implementation of our strategic initiatives as we continue to streamline our portfolio and transform our cost base.”
VimpelCom investment
In Russia, VimpelCom announced deal with rival MTS to share 4G LTE radio frequencies in 20 regions of Russia. In addition, VimpelCom and rival MegaFon announced a joint project to develop base stations and share 4G LTE network development across 10 regions of Russia.
In Algeria, Djezzy made investments in 3G and 2G network modernization. In Q4 2015, Capex excluding licenses was DZD 7.3 billion, up 5 percent due to the ongoing investment in 3G in new regions. Djezzy’s 3G network covered 55 percent of the country’s population.
In Pakistan, Capex in Q4 2015 decreased to PKR 7.2 billion as the 2G network modernization was completed in 2014.
In Bangladesh, Capex fell 28.6 percent to BDT 3.3 billion in Q4 2015, while FY15 Capex to revenue ratio was at 22 percent.
In Ukraine, Q4 2015 Capex increased 57 percent to UAH 869 million, due to investments in the 3G network.
In Kazakhstan, Capex of VimpelCom was KZT 7.6 billion in Q4 2015, and FY15 Capex to revenue stood at 13 percent.
editor@telecomlead.com