By: La Papillion Business Singtel had significant operations in Singapore and Australia, through a wholly owned subsidiary of Singtel Optus. They are the second largest satellite operator in Asia pacific, with international network providing direct connections from Singapore to more than 100 countries. Singtel had major investment in telecommunications industry in Thailand, India, Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Pakistan, forming the largest multi-market mobile customer base in Asia outside of China. This is about the first time I saw a local company earnings billions in revenue and net profit after tax – truly an eye opener. Singtel is the leading mobile operator in Singapore in 2006 and 2007 (I’m sure they are too in the past). Besides being the market leader locally, they are also named asian mobile operator of the year in 2006 – a true testament to its market leadership status. Their red colours are splashed everywhere in the local newspaper and media; it’s hard not to recognize their branding. Growth prospects With number portability implemented, there is bound to be a war to win market share. It’s stated in ST that singtel will do all it can to retain its market leader position. I believe with their market clout, they can do that. Regardless of the results, their expenses is bound to rise up as I expected more advertising dollars will be spent to create a perceived difference in the services and plans by the 3 local telcos. If the price war that is bound to happen lasted for a few years (as did Hong kong when they implemented number portability), then all 3 telcos will suffer in profitability. That being said, singtel having the most diversified operations out of the three telcos, they should be able to weather out this small bump in the local telecommunications scene. Read more...