Today’s Newspaper Cuttings
21 August 2015
Today’s online news Timesofmalta.com GO reports 53% profit increase – GO Direct GO’s profitability improves – GO Direct No surcharge for over 60’s – Melita Direct Surcharge – Melita Anti
Independent.com.mt GO reports 41 per cent increase in profitability during first half of 2015 – GO Direct GO staff celebrate – GO Direct
Josannecassar.com GO staff celebrate – GO Direct
Maltastar.com GO reports 41 per cent increase in profitability during first half of 2015 – GO Direct
Gozonews.com Vodafone announces the launch of the new Star Plan – Vodafone Direct Changes to Melita customers DNS server IP’s - Melita Direct GO reports 41 per cent increase in profitability during first half of 2015 – GO Direct
Maltatoday.com.mt GO holds annual summer party – GO Direct
Vodafone in the news
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
Vodafone Direct gozonews.com 20 August 2015 € 116
Vodafone announces the launch the new Star Plan BY GOZO NEWS · AUGUST 20, 2015
Vodafone has announced the launch of the Vodafone Star Plan, a new hybrid plan, which offers customers the great value of a pay monthly plan combined with the full cost control of topping up only as and when they need to. The company said that customers signing up for Vodafone Star Plan until 30th November 2015 can benefit from a fantastic introductory offer of only €20 per month instead of €25 per month for the full term of a two year deal, which includes a SIM and a 4G smartphone as well. The plan offers the following benefits every month Free calls and SMSs to local Vodafone numbers (1,000 minutes and 1,000 SMSs); 100 units to any local network at any time of the day which can be used for voice calls or texts (1 Unit = 1 minute or 1 SMS); 500MB of mobile internet at 4G speeds. “Vodafone is continually aiming to meet our customers’ changing needs. We felt that there are customers out there who are attracted to the value and flexibility which typically a monthly plan offers, but who may hold back because they don’t want to be continually worrying about exceeding their limit,” explained Alexia Mula, Marketing Executive at Vodafone Malta. Customers can opt for either a one-year SIM only deal or a two year deal which includes a free 4G smartphone, Vodafone said. For more information log onto www.vodafone.com.mt/star or visit one of Vodafone’s retail outlets.
Other stories in the news
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct gozonews.com 11 August 2015 € 116
GO reports 41% increase in profitability during first half of 2015 BY GOZO NEWS · AUGUST 11, 2015
During the six month period ending 30 June 2015, GO increased its operating profit by €4.0 million (41.4 per cent) to €13.7 million, when compared to the same period in 2014. The company said that this improvement in profitability was achieved thanks to stable revenues of €60.7 million (2014: €60.8 million) and improved cost management. “During the first half of the year, GO continued to experience growth in a number of areas, particularly mobile services and data centre business. Retail revenues were positive, based largely on the continuing strong take up of Limitless mobile plans and Limitless Homepack, which also contributed to further overall growth in GO’s client base, which continues to stand at more than 500,000 connections.” GO stated that, these positive trends compensated for a decline in wholesale revenues, a direct consequence of regulatory decisions. Revenues from traditional fixed-voice services also continued to decline.” Yiannos Michaelides, CEO at GO, said, “this set of impressive half yearly results continues to give us the confidence that the strategy GO is pursuing is the right one. Our ability to satisfy all the telecommunication needs of households and businesses remains key to our success. Our straightforward Limitless propositions, which we have further improved in 2015, will continue to be popular with customers and drive growth. At the same time, GO will later this year launch 4G and continue to invest in Fibre-To-The-Home, further enhancing its position as the leading 4P player in Malta.” He added, “GO will also continue to invest in its leading data centre business. These investments, together with the ongoing review of processes aimed at improving service to customers and improved cost management have also contributed significantly to delivering this excellent result. Despite the fierce competition, regulatory pressures, and the systemic declines in some areas of our business such as fixed telephony, GO has continued to perform exceptionally well and for this I must thank all our employees for all their hard work and our customers for their loyalty.”
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct gozonews.com 11 August 2015 € 116
The company reported that during the first six months of 2015, “cost of sales and administration costs excluding costs of an unusual nature, size or incidence, namely voluntary retirement costs and pension obligations, amounted to €47.4 million. This represents a decrease of €2.3 million over the comparative period. Whilst the Group successfully pursued cost reductions in most areas, it also experienced increased incidence of costs in certain areas particularly those directly related to sales activity. “Operating profit before costs of unusual nature, size or incidence, amounted to €14.1 million, an increase of €2.3 million (19.7 per cent) over the operating profit of €11.8 million achieved in the comparative period. Profit before tax increased by €4.5 million (53.0 per cent) from €8.5 million in 2014 to €13.0 million in the first half of 2015.” Cash generation from operations remained healthy and amounted to €22.7 million (2014: €18.4 million) whilst as at 30 June 2015 the Group’s borrowings net of cash holdings amounted to €43.5 million, an increase in net debt of €2.1 million over December 2014. An increase in net debt is normal during the first half of the year and is directly related to the payment of a net dividend of €7.0 million (€0.07 per share). Deepak Padmanabhan, Chairman at GO said, “GO’s performance is exceptional when benchmarked against the current norm for the telecommunications industry where most operators report declining revenue and profitability. These results have been achieved because GO has pursued a clear strategy of revamping its product portfolio, enhancing customer experience and driving efficiency. Combined, these have placed GO in a strong position to look to the future with confidence.”
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO independent.com.mt 11 August 2015 € 145
GO reports 41 per cent increase in profitability during first half of 2015 Tuesday, 11 August 2015, 16:35
During the six month period ending 30 June, GO increased its operating profit by €4.0 million (41.4 per cent) to €13.7 million, when compared to the same period in 2014. This improvement in profitability was achieved thanks to stable revenues of €60.7 million (2014: €60.8 million) and improved cost management. During the first half of the year, GO continued to experience growth in a number of areas, particularly mobile services and data centre business. Retail revenues were positive, based largely on the continuing strong take up of Limitless mobile plans and Limitless Homepack, which also contributed to further overall growth in GO's client base, which continues to stand at more than 500,000 connections. These positive trends compensated for a decline in wholesale revenues, a direct consequence of regulatory decisions. Revenues from traditional fixed-voice services also continued to decline. Yiannos Michaelides, CEO at GO, said, "This set of impressive half yearly results continues to give us the confidence that the strategy GO is pursuing is the right one. Our ability to satisfy all the telecommunication needs of households and businesses remains key to our success. Our straightforward Limitless propositions, which we have further improved in 2015, will continue to be popular with customers and drive growth. At the same time, GO will later this year launch 4G and continue to invest in Fibre-To-The-Home, further enhancing its position as the leading 4P player in Malta. GO will also continue to invest in its leading data centre business. These investments, together with the ongoing review of processes aimed at improving service to customers and improved cost management have also contributed significantly to delivering this excellent result. Despite the fierce competition, regulatory pressures, and the systemic declines in some areas of our business such as fixed telephony, GO has continued to perform exceptionally well and for this I must thank all our employees for all their hard work and our customers for their loyalty."
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO independent.com.mt 11 August 2015 € 145
During the first six months of 2015, cost of sales and administration costs excluding costs of an unusual nature, size or incidence, namely voluntary retirement costs and pension obligations, amounted to €47.4 million. This represents a decrease of €2.3 million over the comparative period. Whilst the Group successfully pursued cost reductions in most areas, it also experienced increased incidence of costs in certain areas particularly those directly related to sales activity. Operating profit before costs of unusual nature, size or incidence, amounted to €14.1 million, an increase of €2.3 million (19.7 per cent) over the operating profit of €11.8 million achieved in the comparative period. Profit before tax increased by €4.5 million (53.0 per cent) from €8.5 million in 2014 to €13.0 million in the first half of 2015. Cash generation from operations remained healthy and amounted to €22.7 million (2014: €18.4 million) whilst as at 30 June 2015 the Group's borrowings net of cash holdings amounted to €43.5 million, an increase in net debt of €2.1 million over December 2014. An increase in net debt is normal during the first half of the year and is directly related to the payment of a net dividend of €7.0 million (€0.07 per share). Deepak Padmanabhan, Chairman at GO , said, "GO's performance is exceptional when benchmarked against the current norm for the telecommunications industry where most operators report declining revenue and profitability. These results have been achieved because GO has pursued a clear strategy of revamping its product portfolio, enhancing customer experience and driving efficiency. Combined, these have placed GO in a strong position to look to the future with confidence."
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO maltastar.com 11 August 2015 € 116
GO reports 41 per cent increase in profitability during first half of 2015 Tuesday, 11 Aug 2015, 10:56
During the six month period ending 30 June 2015, GO increased its operating profit by €4.0 million (41.4 per cent) to €13.7 million, when compared to the same period in 2014. This improvement in profitability was achieved thanks to stable revenues of €60.7 million (2014: €60.8 million) and improved cost management.
During the first half of the year, GO continued to experience growth in a number of areas, particularly mobile services and data centre business. Retail revenues were positive, based largely on the continuing strong take up of Limitless mobile plans and Limitless Homepack, which also contributed to further overall growth in GO’s client base, which continues to stand at more than 500,000 connections. These positive trends compensated for a decline in wholesale revenues, a direct consequence of regulatory decisions. Revenues from traditional fixed-voice services also continued to decline. Yiannos Michaelides, CEO at GO plc, said, “This set of impressive half yearly results continues to give us the confidence that the strategy GO is pursuing is the right one. Our ability to satisfy all the telecommunication needs of households and businesses remains key to our success. Our straightforward Limitless propositions, which we have further improved in 2015, will continue to be popular with customers and drive growth. At the same time, GO will later this year launch 4G and continue to invest in Fibre-To-The-Home, further enhancing its position as the leading 4P player in Malta. GO will also continue to invest in its leading data centre business. These investments, together with the ongoing review of processes aimed at improving service to customers and improved cost management have also contributed significantly to delivering this excellent result. Despite the fierce competition, regulatory pressures, and the systemic declines in some areas of our business such as fixed telephony, GO has continued to perform exceptionally well and for this I must thank all our employees for all their hard work and our customers for their loyalty.”
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO maltastar.com 11 August 2015 € 116
During the first six months of 2015, cost of sales and administration costs excluding costs of an unusual nature, size or incidence, namely voluntary retirement costs and pension obligations, amounted to €47.4 million. This represents a decrease of €2.3 million over the comparative period. Whilst the Group successfully pursued cost reductions in most areas, it also experienced increased incidence of costs in certain areas particularly those directly related to sales activity. Operating profit before costs of unusual nature, size or incidence, amounted to €14.1 million, an increase of €2.3 million (19.7 per cent) over the operating profit of €11.8 million achieved in the comparative period. Profit before tax increased by €4.5 million (53.0 per cent) from €8.5 million in 2014 to €13.0 million in the first half of 2015. Cash generation from operations remained healthy and amounted to €22.7 million (2014: €18.4 million) whilst as at 30 June 2015 the Group’s borrowings net of cash holdings amounted to €43.5 million, an increase in net debt of €2.1 million over December 2014. An increase in net debt is normal during the first half of the year and is directly related to the payment of a net dividend of €7.0 million (€0.07 per share). Deepak Padmanabhan, Chairman at GO plc, said, “GO’s performance is exceptional when benchmarked against the current norm for the telecommunications industry where most operators report declining revenue and profitability. These results have been achieved because GO has pursued a clear strategy of revamping its product portfolio, enhancing customer experience and driving efficiency. Combined, these have placed GO in a strong position to look to the future with confidence.”
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct timesofmalta.com 11 August 2015 € 230
Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 00:01 by Vanessa Macdonald
GO reports 53% profit increase Tuesday, August 11, 2015, 10:39
GO's profitability improves GO has reported stable revenue but improved profitability for the six months ended June 30, as it achieved revenue of €60.7 million and an operating profit of €13.7 million, €4 million more than in the same period last year. In a notice on the Malta Stock Exchange, it said this was due to various successful initiatives aimed at growing retail revenues and reducing costs. The group’s revenue was €100,000 less than in the same period last year due to a marginal decline in revenue from the telecommunications business. This, it said, was compensated by growth in the data centre business. GO CEO Yiannos Michaelides said the strategy GO was pursuing was the right one. "Our ability to satisfy all the telecommunication needs of households and businesses remains key to our success. Our straightforward limitless propositions, which we have further improved in 2015, will continue to be popular with customers and drive growth. "At the same time, GO will later this year launch 4G and continue to invest in fibre-to-the-home. "GO will also continue to invest in its leading data centre business. These investments, together with the ongoing review of processes aimed at improving service to customers and improved cost management have also contributed significantly to delivering this excellent result. "Despite the fierce competition, regulatory pressures, and the systemic declines in some areas of our business such as fixed telephony, GO has continued to perform exceptionally well and for this I must thank our employees for all their hard work and our customers for their loyalty," Mr Michaelides said.
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct timesofmalta.com 12 August 2015 € 230
Wednesday, August 12, 2015, 00:01 by Vanessa Macdonald
GO reports 53% profit increase The pre-tax profit of communications company GO rose 53 per cent to €13 million in the first half of the year, according to new financial results. The company also saw its operating profit increase by €4 million to €13.7 million, when compared to the same period in 2014. This improvement in profitability was achieved thanks to stable revenues of €60.7 million and improved cost management. During the first half of the year, GO continued to experience growth in a number of areas, particularly mobile services and data centre business. Retail revenues were positive, based largely on the continuing strong take up of Limitless mobile plans and Limitless Homepack. The client base stands at more than 500,000 connections. GO will later this year launch 4G and continue to invest in fibre-to-the-home, further enhancing its position as the leading quadruple player in Malta There was a decline in wholesale revenues as a direct consequence of regulatory decisions. Revenues from traditional fixed-voice services also continued to decline. During the first six months of 2015, voluntary retirement costs and pension obligations affected the cost of sales and administration – but at €396,000 were considerably less than the €2.1 million spent in the previous year. In the explanatory notes accompanying the financial statement, GO said it estimated that it still had €6.6 million to pay to former cable and wireless employees, an issue dating back to 1975. GO was forced to set up a pension scheme by a court judgment in 2009, but it is also offering a one-time lump sum settlement in lieu. The group paid out a net dividend of 7c per share relating to the year ended December 31. No interim dividend was announced, with the directors saying they preferred to base it on the full year results. The directors’ report makes no reference to the surprise announcement a few weeks ago by its majority shareholder, Emirates International Telecommunications, a subsidiary of Dubai Holdings, that it wants to sell its shares. The announcement was made just one day after an extraordinary general meeting. This was only mentioned in the company announcement’s notes about events following the reporting period, which also pointed out that the EGM approved the distribution to GO’s owners of €53.5 million in property, borrowings of €16 million and deferred tax liabilities of €4.9 million. Yiannos Michaelides, CEO at GO plc, said: “GO will later this year launch 4G and continue to invest in fibre-to-the-home, further enhancing its position as the leading quadruple player in Malta. GO will also continue to invest in its leading data centre business.”
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct independent.com.mt 19 August 2015 â‚Ź 145
GO staff celebrate Wednesday, 19 August 2015, 20:10Last update: about 18 hours ago
GO's annual summer party was held recently at the Westin Dragonara Resort's Reef Club. This year's party, which had a sailing theme, gave hundreds of GO employees the opportunity to relax and have fun together in beautiful surroundings after a busy and successful first half to the year. During the party employees were treated to great music and free flowing food and drinks which all contributed to a great atmosphere.
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct josannecassar.com 19 August 2015 € 116
GO STAFF CELEBRATE Pictured above: Luke Borg, Rachel Muscat, Kylie Coleiro and Greta Rapinett GO’s annual summer party was held recently at the Westin Dragonara Resort’s Reef Club. This year’s party, which had a sailing theme, gave hundreds of GO employees the opportunity to relax and have fun together in beautiful surroundings after a busy and successful first half to the year. During the party employees were treated to great music and free flowing food and drinks which all contributed to a great atmosphere.
Kurt Camilleri Chief Commercial Officer and Arthur Azzopardi, Chief Corporate Strategy ＆ Business Development Officer
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct josannecassar.com 19 August 2015 € 116
Gina Vella, Patrick Gatt, Pearl Vella and Charles Vassallo
Ayrton Caruana, Chief Human Resources Officer, Sarah Camilleri, HR Training ＆ Development Specialist and Marie Louise Theobald, Senior Manager – Workforce ＆ Performance Management
The customer care, sales and client support team from GO’s retail outlet in B’Kara
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct josannecassar.com 19 August 2015 â‚Ź 116
Ing. Ingrid Camilleri with colleagues Antoine Nury and Maurice Saliba from the technical team
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
GO Direct maltatoday.com.mt 20 August 2015 € 145
GO holds annual summer party GO’s annual summer party was held recently at the Westin Dragonara Resort’s Reef Club. 20 August 2015, 8:46am
(left) Kurt Camilleri Chief Commercial Officer at GO with (right) Arthur Azzopardi, Chief Corporate Strategy ＆ Business Development Officer also at GO
Tweet
0 This year’s party, which had a sailing theme, gave hundreds of GO employees the opportunity to relax and have fun together in beautiful surroundings after a busy and successful first half to the year. During the party employees were treated to great music and free flowing food and drinks which all contributed to a great atmosphere.
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
Melita Anti timesofmalta.com 8 August 2015 € 230
Saturday, August 8, 2015, 00:01 by Mairin Drago, Marsascala
Surcharge I read Malcolm Briffa’s letter (July 14) with astonishment. Does he read his ‘billing terms’ circulars? It states quite clearly that there will be a surcharge.
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
Melita Direct timesofmalta.com 13 August 2015 â‚Ź 230
Thursday, August 13, 2015, 00:01 by Malcolm Briffa, director, customer experience, Melita, Mrieħel
No surcharge for over 60s Melita would like to assure all its customers once again that no extra charges apply for KartAnzjan holders and subscribers who are older than 60 years and who choose to continue receive printed bills instead of electronic billing. The matter raised by Joe Galea (August 6) is based on incorrect information and a wrong perception. Melita is the only home entertainment and telecom operator in Malta to apply a fee waiver for 60+ subscribers who request to receive a printed bill. Elderly people may request to continue receiving printed bills at no additional cost, upon presentation of their valid KartAnzjan or ID card, at any of our outlets. Free electronic billing is also available to all Melita customers by registering to MyMelita, which also provides itemised bills and other useful features to help customers manage their account. It is also totally incorrect to state that Melita imposes charges customers for settling bills through payment channels other than online or direct debit. Melita would like to assure all customers that bill payments made by cheque do not incur a surcharge. It accepts all forms of conventional payment methods, without surcharges, irrespective of customers’ preferred payment methods. Melita accepts payment through numerous channels: by cheque, in cash at any Melita outlet, by credit or debit cards, through automated machines in Melita outlets, online through the secure portal MyMelita (www.melita.com/MyMelita), via the MyMelita app on smartphones, at third party resellers as well as through the internet banking service of most local banks. Should any of our customers require additional information, they can go towww.melita.com/contactus, visit any of our Melita outlets or call 2727 0270.
CLIENT: MEDIUM: DATE: AVE:
Melita gozonews.com 16 August 2015 € 116
Changes to Melita customers DNS server IP’s BY GOZO NEWS · AUGUST 16, 2015
Melita has said that in a continuous effort to improve its network infrastructure and services, it is in the process of changing its DNS servers. This does not involve a change in customer’s current static IP address if they are subscribed to that service, it said. In order to avoid disruption to service customers need to change the settings on their devices from the old DNS servers as follows: “If Melita customers have set the DNS on Melita’s wireless modem-router kindly click here for a step-by-step guide on how to update the DNS. If you or your IT consultant has set the DNS server on other devices such as personal computer, or router, kindly refer to the device’s user manual or your IT consultant,” the company said. “The old DNS servers will stop being operational as at the 30th of August 2015. To avoid any inconvenience from disruption of service, it is very important to update your DNS by 30th August 2015, Melita concluded.