BSNL nears 1 lakh mark with 93,450 4G towers installed nationwide

BSNL is set to begin 5G service trials next month, marking a shift to next-gen telecom, while recent subscriber growth and profit gains are driven by rising private operators' recharge costs, pushing users toward affordable public alternatives

State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is accelerating its network expansion with a major push towards strengthening its 4G footprint across India. The company has operationalised over 93,000 new 4G towers as part of its ongoing rollout initiative, aiming to install a total of one lakh towers in the coming months. The update was shared by Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia during the launch of the theme for the upcoming India Mobile Congress.

Highlighting the progress, Minister Scindia stated, “We have operationalised 93,450 towers, and while this marks significant progress, there is still work to be done. We remain fully committed to achieving our connectivity goals.” Alongside its 4G ambitions, BSNL is preparing to initiate 5G service trials starting next month, signalling a strategic shift towards next-generation telecom services.

Subscriber gains and profit surge

After years of subscriber decline amid stiff competition from private telecom providers, BSNL has seen a recent uptick in user numbers. Analysts attribute this shift to the rising cost of recharge plans from private players, prompting some users to explore more affordable public sector alternatives.

In a positive development for the company’s financials, BSNL reported a net profit of ₹280 crore for the fourth quarter ending March 2025—its second consecutive profitable quarter. This is a marked improvement from a net loss of ₹849 crore in the same period last year. For Q3 FY25, BSNL had reported ₹262 crore in profit after tax.

Union Minister Scindia noted that these back-to-back profits represent the first such instance for BSNL in nearly 18 years, calling it a major milestone in the public sector unit’s turnaround journey.

Revival driven by fiscal discipline

The company also reported a reduction in its annual loss, narrowing it down to ₹2,247 crore in FY25 from ₹5,370 crore in FY24. Operating revenue rose 7.8% year-on-year, touching ₹20,841 crore compared to ₹19,330 crore the previous year.

BSNL Chairman and Managing Director A. Robert J Ravi credited the revival to disciplined financial management, robust government support, and a renewed focus on growth and efficiency. He added that BSNL's mission goes beyond profitability, aiming to set new benchmarks in telecom public service, especially in underserved regions. With continued focus on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, the company aims to deliver inclusive and reliable connectivity across India.