China Mobile FY2012 profit up to $20.6B on data growth

China Mobile's profit for the financial year of 2012 increases 2.7 percent to reach 129.3 billion yuan (US$20.6 billion) as revenue from its wireless data business grows 53.6 percent.

In a statement Thursday, the Chinese operator announced its earnings for the financial year ended December 31, 2012. The company's operating revenue grew 6.1 percent during the year to reach 560.4 billion yuan (US$89.2 billion).

China Mobile reported that its user base grew 9.3 percent to reach 710 million subscribers, among which included 87.93 million 3G subscribers. During 2012, it attracted a total of 60.73 million new users with 3G subscribers making up more than half of its new users at 36.72 million.

Revenue from wireless data traffic grew 53.6 percent and contributed to 12.2 percent of the total revenue. 3G traffic for China Mobile grew 187.6 percent in 2012 while total voice usage volume increased slower at 7.8 percent.

Beyond its home market, China Mobile is eyeing investments in other countries, including Germany, South Africa, Brazil, Portugal, and North Korea.