KKN Gurugram Desk | In a major turnaround, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has posted a profit of ₹280 crore for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25, marking a significant milestone for the state-owned telecommunications company. This marks the second consecutive profitable quarter for BSNL, an achievement that has not been seen in over a decade and a half. BSNL’s performance in Q4 stands in stark contrast to the ₹849 crore loss recorded during the same period last year, highlighting the company’s recovery and its potential for growth moving forward.

For the first time since 2007, BSNL has recorded profits in two consecutive quarters, a feat that has been hailed as a significant achievement for the company, which has been plagued by financial troubles for years. Last quarter, BSNL managed to record a profit of ₹262 crore, and now, with a profit of ₹280 crore, it is clear that the company is slowly but steadily getting back on track.

A Historic Comeback: From Losses to Profits

In the previous year’s fourth quarter, BSNL had reported a staggering loss of ₹849 crore, but in a remarkable reversal, the company ended FY 2024-25 with a positive outcome. This significant recovery has been attributed to multiple strategic decisions, improved management practices, and strong government support, as well as favorable market conditions.

The recent success comes amidst a broader trend of recovery for BSNL, with its annual loss decreasing from ₹5,370 crore last year to ₹2,247 crore in the current fiscal. This reduction in losses signals an important shift in BSNL’s financial health and raises hopes that the company may soon return to profitability on a more consistent basis.

BSNL’s Operational Income Grows by 7.8%

BSNL’s operational income has also seen a noticeable increase, further confirming the company’s steady recovery. The company’s total operational income for FY 2024-25 rose to ₹20,841 crore, compared to ₹19,330 crore in the previous year. This marks an impressive growth of approximately 7.8% year-on-year, a clear indication of the company’s resilience and its ability to capitalize on opportunities in the competitive telecommunications market.

This increase in revenue is particularly significant given the challenges faced by BSNL over the years, including fierce competition from private telecom players like Reliance Jio and Airtel, which have dominated the market in recent years. BSNL’s steady growth proves that with the right strategy and management, government-owned companies can still hold their ground and make a successful comeback.

Government Support and Professional Management: Key Drivers of BSNL’s Recovery

BSNL’s recovery can be attributed to a combination of government support, professional management, and well-implemented policies. The company’s Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), A. Robert J. Ravi, acknowledged that the company’s turnaround was the result of a series of strategic decisions and initiatives taken in the right direction.

Ravi emphasized that BSNL was not just recovering but reinventing itself in a new form, with the aim of strengthening its position in the market. Under his leadership, the company has been working on improving its services, expanding its 4G network, and enhancing customer satisfaction, all of which have contributed to its positive financial results.

Additionally, the Indian government’s backing has played a crucial role in BSNL’s recovery. The government’s efforts to infuse capital, roll out new technology, and support policy reforms have helped BSNL stay competitive and begin its comeback.

The Road Ahead: BSNL’s Long-Term Strategy for Sustained Growth

BSNL is not just focused on short-term recovery, but is also putting together a comprehensive long-term strategy for sustained growth. As part of its future plans, BSNL is working on expanding its 4G network, which is expected to play a major role in improving its service offerings and increasing its market share.

In the coming months, BSNL is expected to roll out 4G services across more regions of India, which will help the company compete more effectively with private players. The company is also focused on offering affordable data and call packages, aiming to capture a larger segment of India’s mobile user base.

Moreover, BSNL is likely to focus on strengthening its broadband services as well, tapping into the increasing demand for high-speed internet services across urban and rural areas. The company’s vision includes enhancing its digital offerings, improving its customer support infrastructure, and introducing new value-added services that can provide a competitive edge in the telecom sector.

BSNL’s Customer-Centric Approach: A Key to Success

Another factor driving BSNL’s recovery is its customer-centric approach. The company has been making continuous efforts to improve its customer service, ensuring that its subscribers enjoy a seamless experience. This includes upgrading existing infrastructure, providing better network coverage, and offering attractive tariffs for both individual and business customers.

BSNL has also been focusing on the digital transformation of its services. By integrating modern technology and streamlining its operations, BSNL aims to improve efficiency and provide better connectivity to its customers.

One of the key highlights of the company’s recent efforts has been its push for affordable internet. As internet penetration in India continues to rise, BSNL is positioning itself as a provider of affordable broadband and mobile internet services, catering to both urban and rural customers.

BSNL’s Growing Market Share: Competing with Private Telecom Giants

The Indian telecommunications market has been dominated by private players like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vi in recent years, but BSNL has managed to maintain a significant share of the market. The company’s growth in operational income, along with its efforts to improve services, suggests that BSNL has the potential to compete more effectively with these private giants.

BSNL is gradually focusing on technology upgrades, which will allow it to offer better services to customers. Its upcoming launch of 4G services will help the company bridge the gap with competitors who have already launched their 5G networks.

With government backing and a renewed focus on customer satisfaction, BSNL is well-positioned to strengthen its presence in both the mobile and broadband sectors in India. The company’s ongoing efforts to increase market share, improve service delivery, and expand its network are expected to have a long-term positive impact on its growth prospects.

BSNL’s recent success in posting profits after 18 years of financial struggles marks a new chapter for the company. The recent growth in operational income and the reduction in annual losses reflect the positive impact of strategic reforms, government support, and a customer-centric approach.

BSNL’s story is a testament to the potential of public-sector companies to recover and thrive, provided they adopt effective strategies and innovative practices. With a focus on technological upgrades, 4G expansion, and improved services, BSNL is poised to continue its upward trajectory and regain its position as a key player in the Indian telecom market.

As the company moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it competes with private players and leverages its strengths to drive future growth. For now, BSNL’s remarkable recovery is a positive sign for both the company and its customers.