ZTE's focus on cloud and big data boosts Q1 profit

Chinese telecommunications equipment maker ZTE has reported that its M-ICT strategy has prompted the 42 percent growth of its first-quarter net profit to 883 million yuan ($182 million).

According to the company, its M-ICT strategy focused on new products aimed to deliver the demands of solutions for cloud computing, big data, smart city, and high-performance routers, as well as helping carriers and enterprise customers capitalise on mobile broadband and the Internet of Things.

During the first quarter, ZTE's operating revenue from telecommunications software systems, services, and other products increased by 23.4 percent in the first quarter. The company added that it recorded "strong growth" from its video and network terminal products, in addition to services.

Revenues from carrier networks increased by 8.9 percent compared to the same period last year, which was driven by a growth in sales of products such as wireless communication systems, wireless switch, access systems, and router switches.

At the same time, ZTE said its higher sales of 4G handset terminals were responsible for the 7 percent growth of its operating revenue from handset terminals.

Looking ahead, the company said it will continue to focus on three main operations: Carrier networks, enterprise business, and mobile devices.

"In carriers' networks, ZTE will be committed to developing solutions for smarter networks to support carriers in their transformation into information-based operations. In enterprise business, ZTE will actively drive the transformation of various industries towards 'Industry 4.0' or 'Industrial Internet', with enhancement of corporate customers' operational efficiency," the company said.

"In the consumers' market, ZTE will actively investigate smart device technologies and new technologies in human-machine interaction, while efforts will be made to develop integrated innovative home terminals."