In a major push to strengthen its telecom infrastructure, state-run BSNL is set to expand its network capacity while aiming for strong financial growth in the current fiscal year.
Union telecom minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that BSNL will add 50,000–60,000 new mobile towers to enhance network coverage and reliability. This expansion comes after the company completed its largest-ever capital expenditure of ₹20,000 crore in a single year to build its 4G network, which is now being prepared for a transition to 5G.
“Today, 1 lakh towers of BSNL are on the ground … radiating 4G signal on our own Atmanirbhar stack. The basis on which we are now looking to expand that network. So, 98,000 towers to be exact are pretty much done. We are trying to expand that to another 50,000- 60,000 towers. Ensure the robustness of that network and then very quickly switch to 5G,” he said at a summit.
Scindia added that the shift to 5G will not be difficult as BSNL’s network is built on a self-reliant indigenous Atmanirbhar 4G stack. The transition will mainly require adding mobile sites and upgrading the core network software.
On the subscriber front, BSNL has seen steady growth. The company had 8.55 crore subscribers in June 2024, which has now increased to 9.27 crore.
Financially, BSNL has also shown improvement. The company reported a quarterly profit of ₹262 crore after a gap of 18 years.
“On an EBITDA basis, in 2023-2024, on an operating margin basis, we made close to Rs 2,395 crores. We are now spinning out cash. In 2024-2025, that grew to Rs 5,100 crores. My hope is that this year, which closes next week, we should increase that Rs 5,000 crore operating profit by double-digit figures in fiscal 2025-26,” Scindia said.
The company now expects its operating profit to grow in double digits in FY2025-26, supported by network expansion and improved performance.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream LinkedIn | The Mainstream Facebook | The Mainstream Youtube | The Mainstream Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
