MELBOURNE, Aug 22 (Reuters) Australian mobile phone company Hutchison Telecommunications Ltd HT

MELBOURNE, Aug 22 (Reuters) Australian mobile phone company Hutchison Telecommunications Ltd posted a narrower first-half net loss, saying its customer base grew strongly and margins per user remained steady.

Hutchison, which is 58 percent owned by Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa Ltd , said its net loss for the six months to June 30 was A$197.3 million ($157.8 million), compared with a net loss of A$524.7 million a year ago.

The 2006 first half included a A$299 million one-off charge for the closure of a mobile phone network.

Hutchison reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of A$31.4 million, compared with earnings (EBITDA) of A$3.0 million a year ago.

Hutchison has spent heavily to roll out its third-generation mobile phone network, which allows users to access music and videos, which operates under the 3 brand.

Credit Suisse analysts had forecast a reported first half net loss of A$177 million, and JP Morgan expected a net loss of A$205 million.

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