“We need to be one that customers turn to for choice and for innovative products, which is what a challenger does. We’re living through a cost of living crisis at the moment, so having choice is important. And to me, there’s a real opportunity to enable this company to be strong and a really important part of the Australian community.”

Optus on Wednesday posted strong half-year financial results, lifting earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the six months to September 30 by 7.4 per cent year-on-year to $1.1 billion, driven by higher mobile revenues and 80,000 new mobile subscribers.

Chief financial officer Michael Venter, who has been serving as interim CEO, said the results reflected disciplined cost management.

“It was the strongest first-half result we’ve had in five years,” he said.

“The last two years have been very challenging in a number of ways for the team, but the whole of the team really rallied together to ensure that we strengthen our network and improve our resiliency.”

Rue said he has been welcomed by Optus staff in his first week in the role. He said it was too early to say if the company would need to trim its headcount, which sits at around 7000.

“I must say, I’ve been welcomed with open arms, which has been brilliant,” he said.

“The first eight days have been quite exhilarating, and I’m sure there’ll be many to come. I know that Optus will be successful, there is a real desire in the community for the company to be that challenger, to be that provider of choice, and I can see that resonated through the business.”

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