The operator’s interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2012 show that the fixed-line penetration rate — as measured by the number of active lines in service as a percentage of the South Africa’s population — has fallen to just 7,5% from 7,9% a year ago.
However, over the same period, the number of broadband digital subscriber lines has increased by 5,8% to 841 000 from 795 000.
Government, which is Telkom’s largest shareholder with a direct 39,8% stake, is understood to be mulling several strategic options for the company, including a possible delisting from the JSE and nationalisation.
Private shareholders blame government interference in Telkom for the company’s poor performance in recent years. On Friday, ahead of the publication of the interim results, its share price hit a new record low below R15,60/share. The counter has shed almost 50% of its value in the past 12 months.