NEW DELHI: State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has recorded a net profit of Rs 262 crore for the December quarter, marking its first quarterly profit in 17 years. Union minister for communications Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed it as a “significant turning point” for the company, attributing the revival to its service expansion, cost-cutting measures, and growing subscriber base.
Growth across services
BSNL saw revenue growth of 14-18% across its mobility, Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH), and leased line services compared to the same period last year. The telco’s subscriber base also climbed from 8.4 crore in June to 9 crore by December.
“BSNL has, in the third quarter of FY2024-25, posted a profit on a quarterly basis for the first time since 2007,” Scindia said.
Additionally, the company slashed finance costs and overall expenditure, reducing losses by over Rs 1,800 crore compared to the previous year. Its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) doubled in the last four years, reaching Rs 2,100 crore in FY24.
Strategic moves and 4G expansion
BSNL has been enhancing customer offerings with services such as National WiFi Roaming, BiTV (free entertainment for mobile users), IFTV (for FTTH customers), and India’s first private 5G connectivity for mining.
The company is now focused on nationwide 4G rollout. “Out of 1,00,000 planned towers, 75,000 have been installed, and close to 60,000 commissioned. We aim to have all towers operational by June this year,” Scindia said.
With continued revenue growth and controlled expenditures, BSNL aims to sustain profitability and further strengthen its position in India’s telecom sector.
