State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has reported a net profit of Rs.280 crore for the January–March quarter of FY 2024–25, marking a significant milestone—its first consecutive quarterly profits in 17 years. The Q4 results follow a profit of ₹262 crore in Q3 of the same fiscal, highlighting a sharp turnaround in the company’s financial performance.

According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), BSNL’s audited results for the year ended March 31, 2025, were approved at the 243rd meeting of its Board. The turnaround was driven by improved operational efficiency, strict cost discipline, and higher revenue from its core business segments such as mobility, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), and enterprise services.

Celebrating the achievement, Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed the development as a “landmark moment” in BSNL’s journey. “For the first time in 18 years, BSNL has posted consecutive net profits — not just EBITDA, but actual net profits,” he stated. “This momentum has not only sustained but strengthened.”

The annual financials reflect a notable recovery.  has narrowed its annual loss by 58 percent—from Rs.5,370 crore in FY24 to Rs.2,247 crore in FY25. Operating revenue also showed a healthy 7.8 percent year-on-year growth, reaching Rs.20,841 crore in FY25, up from Rs.19,330 crore the previous year.

On the operational front, BSNL registered an EBITDA of Rs.5,396 crore in FY25 compared to Rs.2,164 crore in FY24, pushing the EBITDA margin to over 23 percent. The number of telecom circles that turned EBITDA-positive rose from 17 in FY24 to 27 this fiscal, with 10 of them also posting profit after tax.

A major highlight of FY25 was record-breaking capital investment, with asset additions of Rs.26,022 crore—Rs.15,324 crore towards equipment and towers and ₹10,698 crore for spectrum, mainly to fuel its 4G rollout and fibre upgrades. While this has increased depreciation and amortisation expenses (now at Rs.6,283 crore), BSNL sees it as a long-term growth enabler.

BSNL’s cost rationalisation strategy is also bearing fruit. The total expenditure dropped 3 percent to Rs.25,841 crore, and finance costs fell 14 percent to Rs.1,527 crore. Meanwhile, asset monetisation efforts nearly doubled, bringing in Rs.1,120 crore, a 77 percent increase over the previous year.

CMD of BSNL, A. Robert J. Ravi, I.T.S., credited the turnaround to professional management, supportive government policy, and disciplined operations. “We are not chasing profits, but redefining telecom excellence in public service,” he said. “With disciplined cost control and accelerated 4G/5G deployment, we are confident of sustaining this growth trajectory and delivering high-quality, affordable connectivity to every Indian.”

Union Minister Scindia also took to X to celebrate the milestone, writing: “BSNL delivers first back-to-back quarter profits in 17 years!”

While the near-term may see modest profit figures due to high depreciation from spectrum investment and network expansion, the company expects to maintain strong top-line growth and lower operational costs going forward. With nationwide 4G and upcoming 5G deployments using Atmanirbhar equipment, BSNL is poised for a steady and sustainable comeback in India’s competitive telecom space.