Optus dials up higher profit

Strong demand for high-speed 4G mobile services has helped telco giant Optus increase its first half profit.

Optus has lifted its first half profit, aided by a strong demand for 4G mobile services. (AAP)

Optus has lifted its first half profit by eight per cent, aided by a strong demand for 4G mobile services.

The telco, which is owned by SingTel, increased its net profit to $426 million and revenue by 9.3 per cent to $4.6 billion in the half year to September 30.

Optus said demand for high-speed 4G services was strong, with customer numbers having risen to 4.13 million from 2.75 million a year ago.

However, the telco's total number of mobile customers dipped slightly to 9.36 million from 9.4 million.