YEREVAN, March 13, ARMENPRESS. In 2023, Ucom achieved a high level of stable growth in both fixed and mobile telecommunications services.
According to its five-year strategy approved last year, the company’s main objective is to expand its fixed and mobile networks, improve communication quality and ensure that every resident of Armenia has access to integrated communication services – a comprehensive package covering mobile communications, mobile internet, fixed internet and television. Currently, more than half of the company’s fixed-line subscribers are using integrated services and receive all their communication services from Ucom.
In particular, integrated communication services will be available in the cities of Ijevan, Goris, Gavar and Sevan in 2023.
The company’s total revenue for 2023 is expected to reach 38.2 billion drams, an increase of 5.5% compared to 2022.
Meanwhile, the company’s fixed-line telecommunications service revenue for 2023 will be 16.1 billion drams, 7.9% higher than in 2022.
The number of fixed-line telephone subscribers in 2023 is expected to be 133,713, a 6% increase from 2022.
In addition, Ucom showed the fastest mobile subscriber growth in the market in 2023 compared to 2022, with a growth rate of 9.2%. By the end of 2023, Ucom boasted 713,151 active mobile subscribers. The company’s revenue in this area was 16.1 billion DRAM, up 8.1% year-on-year.
Operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) is expected to be 16.8 billion drams in 2023, up 6.6% from 2022. Operating margin was 43.8%.
In addition, the company paid 12.4 billion drams to the state budget in taxes for the fiscal year 2023.
Technical results
Ucom has increased its capital expenditures by 26% in 2023 to modernize its network. Specifically, equipment and network upgrades have been made, and management systems, security procedures and software components have been updated.
Fixed network capacity has been increased and adjustments have been made to ensure reliable communications and quick recovery after outages.
In Yerevan, the LTE mobile network infrastructure has been upgraded, expanding the coverage area and network capacity.
Additionally, efforts were made to expand and improve the quality of the Fiber to the Home (FTTH) optical network in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
“A year ago I was entrusted with the management of this company and during that time we developed an ambitious five-year strategy and development concept, which was approved by the Board of Directors. Over the past year, our team has been working hard to implement the strategy. We have already achieved great success and our network is expanding and improving every day. We are working with world-renowned companies to ensure the technical modernization and strengthening of our network. We have set high goals for ourselves and are committed to achieving them,” said Ucom Director General Ralph Ilikian.
International Certificate
In 2023, our company passed the international certification audit and obtained the certificate of conformity with the Quality Management System (QMS) ISO 9001.
In addition, Ucom obtained ISO/IEC 27001 certification in 2023, which attests to the standard of information security management systems, after an extensive and thorough review with international experts.
human resources
As of the end of 2023, the company had approximately 1,400 employees. Throughout the year, 396 new employees joined the company and 195 were promoted. In total, 220 training and advanced training courses were held for the company’s employees.
Social Responsibility
As is tradition, Ucom continued to implement its Corporate Social Responsibility program throughout 2023. The company provided Internet communications to the Komitas Museum Research Institute and various educational institutions. In addition, access to the network was extended to several sports and cultural events. In addition, Ucom sponsored numerous scientific and educational gatherings, including the annual Silicon Mountain Tech Summit and the 18th International Microelectronics Olympiad.
As part of environmental protection activities, the installation of solar panels has begun in the villages of Gogtanik, Agavnadzor and Lind.
In 2023, we also expanded our support to our compatriots forcibly displaced from Artsakh. In cooperation with World Vision Armenia, we provided warm clothing, bedding, heaters and other necessities to displaced Artsakh families living in three regions of Armenia (Syunik, Gegharkunik and Tavush). The project was funded by donations from Ucom employees.
Additionally, Ucom participated in a joint charity initiative with Galaxy Group and the Armenian Red Cross, which resulted in the distribution of 100 tons of humanitarian aid in the form of food packages to 5,000 families in Artsakh.
In addition, New Year gifts were presented to Artsakh children living in Tavush-Marz.
Future Plans
During the company’s earnings call, Ilikian also outlined plans for the future, particularly highlighting deals signed with Nokia and MediaKind, a global leader in media technology and television.
Ucom is partnering with Nokia to modernize and expand its mobile network, preparing for the transition to 5G across Armenia. In addition, Nokia will update the core infrastructure of Ucom’s fixed and mobile networks and deploy a high-capacity IP transport network.
Through its collaboration with MediaKind, Ucom plans to introduce a technologically advanced TV platform beyond its current IP TV network.
A digital transformation process is planned to improve subscriber experience, and a new integrated billing system will be selected and implemented.
The company also plans to issue bonds in the near future.
In parallel with technological advancements, Ucom remains committed to social responsibility: through its environmental projects, the company wants to contribute to Armenia’s path to a greener future.
