State-owned telecom giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited continues its impressive turnaround, posting strong financial numbers for the first half of the current fiscal year. Under the guidance of Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, the company is sharpening its focus on operational efficiency, customer service, and fresh income sources to secure long-term success.
Strong Financial Performance Sets the Stage
In the opening six months of FY 2025-26, BSNL recorded total earnings of ₹11,134 crore. This includes nearly ₹5,347 crore from the second quarter alone, achieving 93 percent of the planned target for that period. The company now aims for an annual figure of ₹27,500 crore, a clear step up from ₹25,000 crore in the prior year. These results build on BSNL’s recent achievement of consecutive quarterly profits in the previous fiscal, marking a shift toward stable growth.
The minister led a detailed four-hour session in New Delhi, attended by top officials from all 28 regional circles. The discussion centered on keeping this positive trend alive through better execution and unwavering attention to service standards.
Execution and Service Quality Take Center Stage
Scindia described the circle heads as key drivers of change in their areas, urging them to treat daily operations with urgency. He insisted on constant monitoring of repair times, network availability, and user feedback. According to him, superior service forms the foundation for all other gains.
He instructed teams to compare their base station and optical line uptime with private players, spot weaknesses, and complete replacements of batteries and related equipment across regions by the end of 2025. The minister highlighted the need to act swiftly, measuring progress in days rather than longer periods.
Cost Control and New Opportunities
Maintaining financial discipline remains a priority, with no region allowed to show negative earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. Every saved rupee strengthens the overall position, Scindia pointed out. He encouraged exploring additional business avenues, drawing inspiration from how the postal department plans to launch six new offerings early next year.
Key operational improvements include the average revenue per user climbing from ₹81 in the first quarter to ₹92 in the second. Employee productivity stands at around ₹9 lakh per person on average, with standout results from Odisha, Maharashtra, and Haryana circles.
Recognizing Top Performers and Spreading Best Practices
During the meeting, Scindia honored leaders from Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh East, Jammu and Kashmir, and Andaman and Nicobar for their outstanding contributions. He referred to them as the company’s leading examples and asked others to adopt similar approaches in management and creativity.
He advised replicating the review process at lower levels, holding regular sessions across different units and field operations. Empowering staff at every tier will create unstoppable momentum, the minister explained, adding that a strong internal culture outperforms any plan on paper.
Building a Customer-First Approach
BSNL’s revival hinges on putting users at the heart of decisions. The gathering ended with a unified commitment from all regions to provide reliable connectivity, efficient operations, and consistent profits not just for the current year but into the future.
This strategic push aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen public sector telecom services amid fierce market competition. By addressing network reliability and expanding offerings, BSNL positions itself to regain market share and serve rural and underserved areas effectively.
The emphasis on quick repairs and high uptime directly impacts millions of subscribers who rely on affordable voice and data plans. As private operators focus on premium segments, BSNL’s role in bridging digital divides becomes even more crucial.
Looking Ahead: Sustained Growth and Innovation
With clear targets and accountability measures in place, BSNL appears set for another year of progress. The minister’s call for a execution-oriented mindset resonates across the organization, motivating teams to deliver tangible results.
As the telecom landscape evolves with 5G rollouts and fiber expansion, BSNL’s ability to adapt and innovate will determine its trajectory. Initiatives like partnering with postal services for bundled products could open untapped markets.
Industry watchers note that consistent profitability signals investor confidence in public enterprises. For BSNL, achieving the ₹27,500 crore goal would solidify its comeback story and contribute to national connectivity goals.
The road ahead involves rigorous daily oversight, smart resource allocation, and creative revenue strategies. If circles maintain this discipline, BSNL can emerge as a robust competitor offering value-driven services to diverse customer groups.
In summary, the recent review underscores a pivotal moment for BSNL. With leadership backing and ground-level action, the company is poised to meet ambitious targets while prioritizing user satisfaction and operational strength.