EFTel posts record half-year result

Perth-based internet service provider EFTel has announced a 28 per cent increase in half-year net operating profit, to a record $546,000.

The company, formerly known as Datafast Telecommunications, also increased its operating EBITDA during the period, by 14 per cent, to $1.51 million.

EFTel chief executive Simon Ehrenfeld said today, "the half-year result is a record for the company and bucked industry trends that have seen many competitors record reduced profits during the period."

"EFTel has weathered difficult industry trading conditions exceptionally well by avoiding premature infrastructure projects and by reducing unprofitable revenue streams."

"It is anticipated that the second half will provide further evidence of the strength of the business."

"Our recent name change to EFTel has enabled a concentration of marketing resources to build significantly stronger branding for the company and its products, including the recently launched EFTel Speak voice service."

The company's acquisitions programme was recently relaunched, and is expected to add significantly to customer numbers this financial year.

In line with the performance of previous years, the second half is expected to produce significantly higher profits compared with the first half.

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Record December half
1 March 2006
Bucks Industry Trend
Net Operating Profit Up 28%

National Top 10 Internet Service Provider EFTel Limited (ASX: EFT), formerly Datafast
Telecommunications Limited, has today announced a 28% increase in half-year net
operating profit, to a record $546,000. Operating EBITDA rose 14% to $1.51m.

EFTel CEO Simon Ehrenfeld said today, "the half-year result is a record for the company
and bucked industry trends that have seen many competitors record reduced profits during
the period."

"EFTel has weathered difficult industry trading conditions exceptionally well by avoiding
premature infrastructure projects and by reducing unprofitable revenue streams."

"It is anticipated that the second half will provide further evidence of the strength of the
business."

"Our recent name change to EFTel has enabled a concentration of marketing resources to
build significantly stronger branding for the company and its products, including the
recently launched EFTel Speak voice service."

The company's acquisitions programme was recently relaunched, and is expected to add
significantly to customer numbers this financial year.

In line with the performance of previous years, the second half is expected to produce
significantly higher profits compared with the first half.

About EFTel
EFTel is an Australian Top 10 Internet Service Provider (ISP), with 120,000 active retail
accounts. Its wholesale division services a quarter of Australia's other ISPs.