State-owned telecommunication giant Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited BSNL Profit in Q4 hit of Rs 380 crore for the fourth quarter of the current fiscal. The second consecutive quarter in the profit book is a major achievement as the company had been making losses for almost 18 years.
Having once been a market leader in telecom, BSNL has otherwise been struggling with unrelenting losses ever since the mid-2000s. The back-to-back Q3 and Q4 FY2024 profits indicate a spectacular turnaround and the impact of relentless turnaround strategies and reforms.
The profitability improvement is due to a number of strategic efforts. BSNL adopted aggressive steps in cost cutting, accelerated broadband and enterprise business and monetized sleeping assets. The government’s revived revival package also includes capital infusion and spectrum allotments that have gone a long way in reviving the company.
Focus on 4G growth and upgradation
Among the key elements of BSNL’s strategy is expanding its 4G coverage. The operator is using locally developed technology under Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission to offer similar network speeds and better service reliability. This is crucial in a bid to restore customers’ trust and keep up with a technology-driven market.
Rural resilience and market positioning
BSNL continues to dominate rural and far-flung segments where private players have thin outreach. As more and better 4G infrastructure comes into play, the company is set to realize this advantage and push towards under-penetrated markets.
Challenges Before Sustainable Growth
While its recent growth in revenue has bailed out its books, BSNL remains under private telecom majors’ glare. To remain profitable, it has to continue its technology spend, improve customer experience and strategize for 5G expansion in the future.
BSNL’s Q4 Rs. 380 crore profit is a new chapter in its historic saga. Having battled financial troubles for nearly two decades, the company is now standing tall and rejuvenating itself, courtesy of tactical reforms and an infusion of blood from the government.
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