For the first time since 2007, BSNL has reported a net profit of ₹262 crore in Q3 FY25. The turnaround marks a significant achievement for the state-owned telecom provider, which has been struggling with financial losses for nearly two decades. Telecommunications minister Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed this as a crucial moment for BSNL, reflecting its efforts in cost-cutting, service expansion, and revenue growth.
Revenue Growth Across Key Services
BSNLs strong quarterly performance is attributed to revenue growth in multiple segments:
- Mobility services saw a 15 percent increase.
- Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) revenue surged by 18 percent.
- Leased line services recorded a 14 percent rise.
Additionally, BSNLs subscriber base grew from 8.4 crore in June to 9 crore in December, reflecting increasing consumer confidence in its services.
Cost Reduction and Strategic Expansion
BSNL has focused on cost optimization and financial discipline, reducing its losses by over ₹1,800 crore compared to last year. The company has also doubled its EBITDA from ₹1,100 crore to ₹2,100 crore over the past four years.
Key initiatives driving BSNLs growth include:
- National WiFi Roaming for seamless connectivity.
- BiTV (Free Entertainment for Mobile Customers) to enhance digital services.
- IFTv (Fiber-based Intranet TV for FTTH Customers) to expand content offerings.
- Private 5G connectivity for mining operations, demonstrating its technological advancements.
BSNLs 4G Expansion and Future Prospects
With plans to roll out 4G services nationwide, BSNL is installing 100,000 towers, out of which 75,000 have already been set up and 60,000 are operational. The company aims to make all towers functional by June, which will enhance service quality and market competitiveness.
Subscription Model Speculation
Reports suggest that BSNL may introduce a new subscription model, possibly priced at ₹149, to provide affordable access to its services. This could help attract more users while ensuring sustainable revenue growth.
Conclusion
BSNLs return to profitability marks a new era for the company. With steady growth in subscribers, revenue diversification, and infrastructure expansion, the telecom giant is on track for a stronger and more competitive future.
