State-owned telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has turned profitable after nearly two decades, reporting a net profit of Rs.262 crore in the third quarter of the financial year. This marks the company’s first return to profitability since 2007, driven by aggressive network expansion, cost optimization, and enhanced service offerings, ANI reported from New Delhi.

Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia credited the turnaround to BSNL’s growth across key verticals—cellular mobility, fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and lease lines—which recorded quarterly increases of 15 percent, 18 percent, and 14 percent, respectively. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the government’s telecom service provider is regaining profitability. We expect further revenue growth by the end of Q4 while keeping costs under control to significantly reduce losses,” Scindia stated.

BSNL’s subscriber base also saw a notable rise, climbing from 8.4 crore in June 2024 to nearly 9 crore by December 2024. The company has accelerated its 4G rollout, having erected 75,000 out of its planned 100,000 towers. By June 2025, all towers are expected to be fully operational, further strengthening BSNL’s market presence.

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A. Robert J. Ravi highlighted that the company has successfully cut down finance costs and overall expenditure, reducing losses by over ₹1,800 crore compared to the previous year. Looking ahead, BSNL expects revenue growth to surpass 20% by the end of the fiscal year.

To enhance customer experience, BSNL has introduced innovative services such as National WiFi Roaming, BiTV—free entertainment for mobile users, and IFTV for FTTH subscribers. “Our continuous focus on quality service and customer assurance has reinforced BSNL’s position as a leading telecom provider in India,” Ravi added.

BSNL’s financial recovery signals a major boost for the public-sector telecom entity, positioning it as a stronger competitor in India’s evolving telecom landscape.