SINGAPORE (AFP) -- Singapore Telecommunications (SingTel) said Tuesday first quarter to June net profit rose an annual 10.4 percent, boosted by strong home and regional markets and exceeding expectations.

""We have made an excellent start to the new financial year with all our key businesses delivering strong earnings growth,"" said chief executive officer Chua Sock Koong.
""I am extremely pleased to note that growth is broad-based and involves almost every aspect of our business,"" she said, noting the exceptional showing in Singapore and Australia.
For the three months to June, SingTel earned a net profit of 927 million Singapore dollars (609 million U.S.), surpassing expectations of earnings of between 856 to 877 million dollars.
Operating revenues increased 10.5 percent year-on-year to 3.57 billion dollars on strong growth in the Singapore market and from wholly-owned Australian unit, SingTel Optus.
Singapore revenue rose 10 percent to 1.16 billion dollars, boosted by strong spending amid the city's strong economic growth. SingTel Optus operating revenue grew 3.5 percent to 1.90 billion Australian dollars (1.6 billion U.S.).
""Despite a highly competitive market, these financial results show Optus maintaining both market momentum and profitability,"" said Optus chief executive Paul O'Sullivan.
Pre-tax contributions from SingTel's regional associates grew 32 percent to 652 million dollars with Indonesia's Telkomsel and Bharti of India turning in an exceptionally strong showing.
Telkomsel's pre-tax contributions grew 27 percent to 286 million dollars while Bharti was up 133 percent to 211 million dollars