MUMBAI: BSNL has dialled up a major financial comeback, posting a profit before tax of Rs 262 crore in Q3 FY25, a staggering reversal from a Rs 1,569 crore loss in the same quarter last year. With revenue growth, strategic cost reductions, and a push for 4G and fibre-optic expansion, the state-run telecom operator is charting a path to profitability while reinforcing its position in India’s evolving telecom landscape.

BSNL’s revenue from operations climbed to Rs 4,969 crore in Q3 FY25, up from Rs 4,546 crore in Q3 FY24, reflecting a steady rise in demand for its mobility, fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), and leased line services. These key growth segments saw year-on-year increases of 15 per cent, 18 per cent, and 14 per cent, respectively.

“This milestone reflects the company’s focus on innovation, aggressive network expansion, cost optimisation, and customer-centric service improvements,” the BSNL said in an official statement.

With improved revenue and reduced costs, BSNL's EBITDA surged to Rs 1,466 crore in Q3 FY25, up from just Rs 316 crore in the same quarter last year, marking a 364 per cent increase. For the nine-month period, EBITDA stood at Rs 2,369 crore, nearly tripling from Rs 893 crore in the previous year. 
Total expenditure for Q3 FY25 (excluding depreciation and finance costs) was Rs 4,210 crore, significantly lower than Rs 4,741 crore in Q3 FY24, demonstrating effective cost control measures.

For the nine-month period ending December 2024, revenue grew to Rs 14,197 crore, up from Rs 12,905 crore in the same period last year, demonstrating consistent business expansion. Other income for Q3 stood at Rs 706 crore, a significant 38 per cent increase from Rs 511 crore in the same quarter last year. However, for the nine-month period, other income was Rs 1,406 crore, slightly lower than Rs 1,528 crore in FY24. BSNL’s loss before tax for the nine-month period ending December 2024 was Rs 2,527 crore, a sharp improvement from the Rs 4,522 crore loss recorded last year. Significantly, 20 BSNL circles reported EBITDA-positive performance in Q3 FY25, compared to just 12 in Q3 FY24.

Announcing the quarterly financial results, BSNL chairman & managing director Robert J. Ravi stated, “We are pleased with our financial performance this quarter, which reflects our focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and aggressive network expansion.”

“With these efforts, we expect revenue growth to improve further, exceeding 20 per cent by the end of the financial year. BSNL has successfully reduced its finance cost and overall expenditure, leading to a decline in losses by over Rs 1,800 crore compared to last year. To enhance our customer experience, we have introduced new innovations such as national wifi roaming, BiTV – free entertainment for all mobile customers, and IFTV for all FTTH customers. Our continuous focus on quality of service and service assurance has further strengthened customer trust and reinforced BSNL’s position as a leading telecom service provider in India.” Ravi added.

Today is a significant day in the history of the Indian telecom industry, according to minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. He added, “the prime minister intends for the telecom industry to lead India's digital future, and all the nation's telecom service providers are honestly working towards this goal."

With total quarterly income touching Rs 5,675 crore, up from Rs 5,057 crore in Q3 FY24, BSNL is firmly on a growth trajectory as it expands its digital footprint. One of the biggest reductions came in network operating expenses, which dropped to Rs 1,336 crore, down from Rs 1,397 crore in Q3 FY24. This streamlined network management approach is helping BSNL maximise efficiency while maintaining service quality.

Employee benefits expenses also saw a notable decline, falling to Rs 1,735 crore from Rs 2,011 crore in the same quarter last year. The reduction in workforce-related costs has played a crucial role in improving BSNL’s financial health while ensuring operational effectiveness.

A significant shift in BSNL’s financial strategy is reflected in its depreciation and amortisation costs (DAC), which nearly halved to Rs 814 crore from Rs 1,443 crore. This sharp reduction underscores the company's commitment to next-gen infrastructure and digital transformation, as BSNL accelerates investments in modern telecom technology while efficiently managing legacy assets.

Meanwhile, finance costs saw a 12 per cent decline, falling to Rs 389 crore from Rs 442 crore, further easing financial pressure and contributing to stronger bottom-line performance.

Ever since it last posted a quarterly net profit in 2007, the state-owned telecom services company turned a profit for the first time in the last quarter. In a remarkable turnaround, BSNL's subscriber base has risen to about nine crore in December from 8.4 crore in June. During the same quarter, leased line services revenue increased by 14 per cent, mobility services revenue by 15 per cent, and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) revenue by 18 per cent. A key priority is fast-tracking 4G and 5G rollouts, aimed at enhancing network coverage and service quality while keeping pace with industry advancements.