File photo of BSNL logo. Photo: Special Arrangement

State-owned telecom operator BSNL posted a ₹280 crore net profit in the quarter ending March 2025, marking two consecutive quarters of positive cash flows. This performance comes on the back of cost cutting and infrastructure leasing revenues since 2021.

“For the first time in 18 years, BSNL has posted consecutive quarterly net profits — not just operating profits or positive EBITDA margins, but actual net profits,” Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said in a statement.

Quarterly profits may not sustain at these levels in the immediate quarters to follow; however, its chairman and managing director Robert J. Ravi indicated, as the telco has undertaken extensive investments into its infrastructure — just last week, it approved a ₹2,903 crore advance purchase order with Tata Consultancy Services Ltd to build out its as yet unlaunched 4G network.

While Mr. Ravi said in a statement that “in the near term, higher depreciation and amortisation arising from recent spectrum acquisitions and heavy capex will weigh on quarterly results despite … solid fundamentals,” he argued that medium- and long-term “profitability prospects are robust, supported by the nationwide rollout of 4G/5G (use of Atmanirbhar equipment), 5G Network-as-a-Service initiatives, investments in core infrastructure and upgradation of backhaul aging fibres.”

In the same quarter last year, BSNL had a loss after tax of ₹849 crore. Its EBITDA stood at ₹5,396 crore in FY 2024–25, compared to ₹2,164 crore in the previous year. Its annual operating revenue has also increased by 7.8% to ₹20,841 crore. Wireless phone services constituted the bulk of its revenue, at ₹7,499 crore, while home broadband and commercial internet services contributed ₹2,923 crore and ₹4,096 crore respectively.

“Our aim is not to chase profits, but to redefine telecom excellence in public service,” Mr. Ravi said.