BSNL Deploys 93,450 New 4G Towers, Records ₹280 Crore Profit in Q4

State-run telecom operator BSNL is making significant strides in enhancing India's telecom infrastructure. As part of its ambitious target to deploy 1,00,000 4G towers, the company has already made 93,450 towers operational, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced during the India Mobile Congress theme launch in New Delhi.

Government-Led Push for Connectivity Expansion

Speaking at the event held on May 26, Minister Scindia emphasized the government's commitment to improving digital access across India. He noted that while BSNL has achieved remarkable progress with the installation of tens of thousands of towers, the journey toward full coverage remains ongoing.

“We have successfully installed 93,450 towers, but there’s still quite a distance to cover,” Scindia said, reaffirming the Centre’s support for public sector telecom revival.

BSNL Set to Begin 5G Trials Soon

In a major technological leap, BSNL is preparing to launch 5G trials as early as next month, signaling its readiness to compete with private telecom providers in delivering next-generation mobile connectivity. The company aims to leverage its 4G foundation to test and roll out 5G services, especially in underserved and rural areas.

Subscriber Base Sees a Gradual Rebound

BSNL, which had witnessed a steady decline in its subscriber base due to strong competition from private players like Jio and Airtel, is now seeing signs of recovery. This shift is largely attributed to the increased recharge tariffs by private telecom companies, which has prompted users to reconsider BSNL’s more affordable plans.

Q4 FY25: BSNL Reports ₹280 Crore Profit

Marking a historic turnaround, BSNL reported a net profit of ₹280 crore for the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2025. This is the second consecutive profitable quarter, a first for the company in 18 years. It also signals a sharp contrast from the ₹849 crore loss it posted during the same quarter last year.

FY25 Financial Turnaround and Reduced Annual Loss

In the third quarter of FY25, BSNL had posted a net profit of ₹262 crore. Together, these consecutive profitable quarters helped bring down the company’s annual loss to ₹2,247 crore in FY25, significantly lower than the ₹5,370 crore loss recorded in FY24.

CMD Attributes Revival to Strategy and Discipline

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A Robert J Ravi credited the financial revival to effective leadership, strategic planning, and disciplined cost management. He noted that a combination of professional execution, government backing, and aggressive network expansion had helped BSNL not just recover but redefine its role in the telecom sector.

Operating Revenue Grows by 7.8% in FY25

BSNL also reported a 7.8% increase in operating revenue, rising from ₹19,330 crore in FY24 to ₹20,841 crore in FY25. This growth, Ravi said, was a result of streamlined cost structures and investments in 4G and 5G infrastructure, laying the groundwork for sustained progress.

Focus Shifts from Profits to Public Service Excellence

CMD Ravi emphasized that BSNL’s mission was not purely profit-driven. Instead, the telecom PSU aims to redefine excellence in public service delivery, particularly in telecom. He stressed that reaching underserved areas, fostering digital inclusivity, and maintaining service quality would naturally lead to long-term profitability.

Conclusion

BSNL's recent performance highlights a pivotal moment in the public sector telecom space. With over 93,000 4G towers installed, a Q4 net profit of ₹280 crore, and 5G trials on the horizon, BSNL is well on its way to revival. Its renewed focus on affordability, inclusivity, and digital access marks a strong comeback and positions it as a significant player in India's evolving telecom landscape.