BSNL reports ₹262 crore profit after 17 Years—Here’s what led to the turnaround

For the first time in 17 years, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has turned profitable, recording a ₹262 crore profit in the October-December 2024 quarter. This marks a significant revival for the government-owned telecom company, which had been struggling for years.

Union Minister G Kishan Reddy shared the news, calling BSNL’s success a testament to India's self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) and digital progress. But what exactly helped BSNL make a comeback?

The Key to BSNL’s Revival

One of the biggest factors behind BSNL’s turnaround was the rollout of its indigenous 4G network. The government focused on expanding high-speed internet services for BSNL customers, leading to the company issuing an advance purchase order of ₹19,000 crore in 2023 to set up 1 lakh 4G sites.

Additionally, BSNL received strong financial backing from the government. Over ₹3 lakh crore has been infused into BSNL and MTNL since 2019 as part of a revival package. This included funds for 4G expansion, spectrum allocation, and clearing dues.

Expanding Network, Strengthening Services

BSNL also ramped up its network infrastructure. By December 2024, it had installed over 62,000 4G towers across the country. Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had initially set a goal of reaching 1 lakh towers by June 2025, but the target was achieved ahead of schedule.

With improved services and better connectivity, BSNL is on the path to competing with private telecom giants once again. This milestone not only strengthens India's telecom sector but also reinforces the government's commitment to digital inclusion.