BSNL Reports ₹262 Crore Profit in Q3, Marking First Profit Since 2007

State-owned telecom operator attributes turnaround to innovation, network expansion, and cost optimization

In a significant financial turnaround, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has reported a net profit of ₹262 crore for the third quarter of the financial year 2024-25, marking its first profitable quarter since 2007. This milestone reflects the company’s strategic focus on innovation, aggressive network expansion, cost optimization, and customer-centric service improvements.

Strategic Initiatives Driving Profitability

BSNL’s return to profitability is the culmination of several strategic initiatives implemented over recent years:

• Network Expansion and 4G Rollout: The company has accelerated its network infrastructure development, with a particular emphasis on the rollout of 4G services. This expansion has enhanced service quality and coverage, attracting a larger subscriber base.

• Customer-Centric Innovations: BSNL introduced several customer-focused services, including National WiFi Roaming, BiTV (free entertainment for all mobile customers), and IFTV for all Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) customers. These offerings have improved customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Cost Optimization Measures: The company has implemented rigorous cost-control strategies, successfully reducing finance costs and overall expenditure. This has led to a decline in losses by over ₹1,800 crore compared to the previous year.

Financial Performance Highlights

The third quarter results showcased robust growth across multiple service segments:

• Mobility Services: Revenue increased by 15% compared to the same period last year, indicating strong demand for mobile services.

• FTTH Services: The Fiber-to-the-Home segment saw an 18% rise in revenue, reflecting the growing consumer shift towards high-speed internet services.

• Leased Line Services: Revenue from leased line services grew by 14%, underscoring BSNL’s strengthened position in providing dedicated communication lines to businesses.

The company’s subscriber base expanded to approximately 9 crore in December 2024, up from 8.4 crore in June 2024, demonstrating effective customer acquisition and retention strategies.

Leadership Perspectives

A. Robert J. Ravi, BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, expressed satisfaction with the company’s performance, stating, “We are pleased with our financial performance this quarter, which reflects our focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and aggressive network expansion. With these efforts, we expect revenue growth to improve further, exceeding 20% by the end of the financial year.”

Union Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia, hailed the achievement as a “significant turning point” for BSNL. He attributed the success to the company’s dedicated efforts in service expansion, cost-cutting measures, and a growing subscriber base.

Government Support and Future Outlook

Since 2019, the Indian government has injected ₹3.22 lakh crore into BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) through three revival packages, including funding for 4G rollout. This substantial support has been instrumental in BSNL’s turnaround.

Looking ahead, BSNL aims to sustain its growth trajectory by continuing its focus on network expansion, particularly in rural and underserved areas, and by exploring the deployment of 5G services. The company also plans to introduce more customer-centric innovations to enhance user experience and satisfaction.

In summary, BSNL’s return to profitability after 17 years is a testament to its strategic initiatives in innovation, network expansion, and cost management. With continued government support and a clear focus on customer satisfaction, BSNL is poised to strengthen its position in India’s competitive telecom sector.