The operator has reported a 72 per cent decline in its consolidated net profit to Rs 2.84 billion for the period under consideration, owing to high interest costs, fluctuation in foreign exchange and tax provisions.

The company’s total revenues increased by 9.5 per cent to Rs 202.39 billion in the October-December quarter from Rs 184.77 billion in the year-ago period.

Bharti Airtel’s monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) declined to 185 during the reporting quarter from 187 in the same period last year.

Revenues from its African operations increased by 15 per cent year-on-year to Rs 61.70 billion during the quarter.