State-owned telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has made significant strides in subscriber growth, adding between 50 to 60 lakh subscribers over the last quarter. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia shared this news at the Express Adda event, highlighting the company’s turnaround following two years of operating profit.
BSNL is committed to providing telephone services even in the most remote villages, and ongoing network upgrades are enhancing its service quality. In June 2022, the Union cabinet approved a revival package of ₹89,047 crore to help the debt-laden telecom operator deploy 4G and 5G services, competing in a market largely dominated by private players. BSNL has struggled with infrastructure issues and losses for the past 12 years.
Despite past financial challenges, Scindia noted that BSNL has achieved a positive EBITDA in the last two years. However, the company is still facing a negative bottom line, and the minister did not specify when it might turn profitable.
Scindia emphasised BSNL’s unique role in reaching every corner of the country with telecom services. He acknowledged the company’s potential, stating, “BSNL has tremendous capabilities… it just needs to be triggered.”
The minister pointed out that BSNL chose a more challenging path by opting to use domestically manufactured equipment for its service upgrades. While easier alternatives exist, BSNL’s commitment to self-reliance in technology has led to the successful rollout of 4G services. Scindia expressed confidence that transitioning from 4G to 5G would not be difficult, saying, “Today domestic 4G is a proven technology.”
He also mentioned that MTNL’s operations have been integrated into BSNL, with the Indian government backing its loans, alleviating concerns about defaults. Scindia praised the performance of public sector undertakings (PSUs), stating that they are achieving standards comparable to Fortune 500 companies.
BSNL has consistently added subscribers over the past three months, with significant porting of customers from other telecom operators. “Our subscriber base has grown, not by 10,000-50,000, but close to 50-60 lakhs,” he noted. Scindia concluded by expressing optimism that BSNL will take a leading role in the telecom sector going forward.
