BSNL Sees 2 Consecutive Profitable Quarters for the First Time in 18 Years
The state-run telecom operator, BSNL, has made a significant turnaround in its financial performance, reporting a profit of ₹280 crore in FY25 Q4, which is its second consecutive quarterly profit in 18 years. This milestone marks a major breakthrough for the company, which has been struggling to stay afloat due to intense competition and financial losses.
BSNL’s profit in the October-December quarter was ₹262 crore, which is a significant improvement from its previous losses. The company’s overall loss in 2024-25 fell by a whopping 58% YoY from ₹5,370 crore to ₹2,274 crore. This decline in losses is a testament to the company’s efforts to streamline its operations and reduce its financial burden.
The operating revenue of BSNL rose 7.8% in 2024-25 to ₹20,841 crore from ₹19,330 crore in 2023-24. This increase in revenue is a result of the company’s efforts to expand its customer base and increase its average revenue per user (ARPU).
The turnaround in BSNL’s financial performance is a significant achievement, considering the challenges the company faced in the past. In recent years, BSNL has been struggling to compete with private telecom operators, such as Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance Jio, which have been offering cheaper tariffs and better services.
BSNL’s financial struggles were compounded by its debt, which stood at over ₹4,50,000 crore. The company was also struggling to upgrade its network and expand its services to new areas, which further exacerbated its financial woes.
However, in recent years, BSNL has been working to address its financial issues. The company has been focusing on cost-cutting measures, such as reducing its employee strength and selling off its non-core assets. BSNL has also been working to improve its network and expand its services to new areas, which has helped to increase its revenue.
In addition, BSNL has been exploring new business opportunities, such as offering enterprise services and expanding its presence in the international market. The company has also been working to improve its customer service, which has helped to increase customer satisfaction and retention.
The success of BSNL’s turnaround efforts is a significant achievement for the company and the telecom industry as a whole. It demonstrates that with the right strategy and execution, even the most struggling companies can turn their fortunes around.
BSNL’s financial performance is also a testament to the government’s efforts to support the company. The government has been providing financial support to BSNL, including a ₹20,000 crore bailout package, to help the company stay afloat.
In conclusion, BSNL’s reporting of a profit for the second consecutive quarter is a significant milestone for the company and the telecom industry. It demonstrates that with the right strategy and execution, even the most struggling companies can turn their fortunes around. The company’s financial performance is a testament to the government’s efforts to support BSNL and the telecom industry as a whole.
