KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis Bhd recorded a marginally lower pre-tax profit of RM741 million for its first quarter ended March 31, 2011,compared to the RM765 million recorded in the previous corresponding quarter.

Revenue was one per cent or RM19 million lower at RM2.133 billion compared to RM2.152 billion previously.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia, the telecommunications services provider said its lower performance was primarily driven by decreases in voice, non-voice and hubbing revenue.

It said intense competition among existing players, as well as the emergence of new entrants in the Malaysian telecommunications industry had contributed to the increasingly challenging operating environment, with increasing pressure on
revenue and margins.

'The next phase of growth in the industry will remain largely driven by demand for broadband and internet access services, with increasing adoption of smartphones and tablets,' it added.

In preparation for this, the group will continue to invest prudently in the growth and ongoing transformation of its network, build on the existing range of passive infrastructure-sharing already undertaken, and continue to seed devices
in the market to encourage early adoption of data usage while bringing forward data revenues.- Bernama