In a landmark development for India’s public telecommunications sector, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has reported a net profit of ₹280 crore in the fourth quarter of FY 2024–25. This follows the ₹262 crore profit recorded in Q3, marking the state-run telecom giant’s first-ever back-to-back profitable quarters in 18 years. The announcement was made after the approval of the audited financial results at the 243rd board meeting of BSNL.

Union Minister for Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, hailed this achievement as a defining moment in India’s telecom history. “Under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, BSNL’s turnaround is a proud symbol of Atmanirbhar Bharat and digital empowerment,” he remarked. He highlighted that this is not just a recovery of operations, but a fundamental transformation of the enterprise.

Strong Financial and Operational Recovery

BSNL’s profit after tax (PAT) in Q4 stood at ₹280 crore, a dramatic reversal from the ₹849 crore loss posted in the same quarter last year. The full-year loss for FY 2024–25 has been reduced by 58%, down to ₹2,247 crore from ₹5,370 crore in FY 2023–24.

Operating revenue saw a healthy rise of 7.8%, reaching ₹20,841 crore, while total income surged by 10% to ₹23,427 crore. Key revenue drivers included:

• Mobility services: ₹7,499 crore (+6%)

• FTTH (Fibre to the Home): ₹2,923 crore (+10%)

• Leased lines and enterprise solutions: ₹4,096 crore (+3.5%)

• Asset monetisation: ₹1,120 crore (+77%)

EBITDA for FY 2025 soared to ₹5,396 crore, more than doubling from ₹2,164 crore last year, pushing margins up to 23.01%. Operational efficiency has clearly improved, with 27 telecom circles turning EBITDA-positive (up from 17 last year) and 10 circles registering PAT-positive outcomes (up from 3 in FY 2023–24).

Strategic Investments and Fiscal Discipline

A record capital expenditure of ₹26,022 crore was reported, with substantial investments in equipment, tower infrastructure, and spectrum acquisition—primarily for nationwide 4G rollout and future-ready 5G services. This led to a rise in depreciation and amortisation costs to ₹6,283 crore.

Cost control measures have yielded results, with overall expenditure reduced by 3% to ₹25,841 crore. Finance costs also decreased by 14% to ₹1,527 crore.

Outlook: Sustained Growth and Digital Expansion

BSNL’s leadership remains optimistic about sustaining this growth momentum. CMD Shri A. Robert J. Ravi stated, “We are not merely reviving BSNL — we are redefining public telecom services. Our mission is inclusive, innovative, and impact-driven.” He added that profitability will follow naturally from delivering value to citizens, especially through affordable connectivity and rapid 4G/5G deployment using indigenously developed technologies.

While increased depreciation and capex may temporarily impact short-term profits, long-term profitability is expected to be robust, supported by infrastructure upgrades and revenue diversification.

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As the nation celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, BSNL’s turnaround is a compelling story of transformation, resilience, and renewed public-sector leadership in India’s digital future.

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