In a significant turnaround, state-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced its second consecutive profitable quarter, posting a net profit after tax (PAT) of ₹280 crore for the fourth quarter ending March 31, 2025. This follows a profit of ₹262 crore in the previous quarter, marking the first time BSNL has recorded back-to-back quarterly profits in nearly two decades.
This positive result in Q4 FY25 stands in stark contrast to the ₹849 crore loss the company reported in the same period last year. For the entire fiscal year 2024-25, BSNL has significantly reduced its net loss by 58% to ₹2,247 crore, down from ₹5,370 crore in FY24, indicating a strong trajectory towards financial recovery.
The company’s improved performance is underpinned by a 7.8% increase in operating revenue to ₹20,841 crore in FY25, up from ₹19,330 crore in the previous year. Total income also saw a healthy 10% year-on-year growth, reaching ₹23,427 crore. Key segments contributing to this growth include mobility services (up 6%), Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) which saw a 10% increase, and leased lines & enterprise services, which grew by 3.5%.
BSNL’s EBITDA more than doubled to ₹5,396 crore in FY25, resulting in a significantly improved EBITDA margin of 23.01%. Operationally, 27 telecom circles turned EBITDA-positive, a substantial increase from 17 in the previous year, and 10 circles reported net profits, compared to just three in FY24.
The company also highlighted a record capital expenditure in FY25, with asset additions worth ₹26,022 crore, primarily focused on the rollout of 4G services and expansion of its fibre infrastructure.
Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia hailed this achievement as a historic milestone, emphasizing the government’s commitment to a self-reliant and digitally empowered India. BSNL Chairman Robert J Ravi attributed the turnaround to professional management, government support, and a relentless focus on both revenue and cost efficiency, stating that BSNL is not just being revived but redefined with a focus on service excellence.
Key Highlights:
- BSNL has reported a net profit of ₹280 crore in Q4 FY25, marking its second consecutive profitable quarter and a significant turnaround.
- The company’s annual net loss for FY25 has been reduced by 58%, with operating revenue and EBITDA showing substantial growth.
- This financial improvement is attributed to factors including increased revenue across key segments, cost control, and the ongoing 4G rollout.
- The government and BSNL leadership view this as a testament to the company’s revival and its commitment to providing quality telecom services.