Telstra has lifted its dividend for the first time since 2006, after posting a 9.2 per cent rise in profit.

The telco giant posted a first-half net profit after tax of $1.7 billion, up from $1.56 billion last year.

However, the bigger news for many investors is a half-cent increase in the interim dividend to 14.5 cents – the first time Telstra has shifted its typical 14-cent half-yearly shareholder payouts since issuing special dividends in 2006.

The company last lifted its regular dividend payment with an increase from 13 to 14 cents in the first half of 2005.

More to come.