## Policy Summary: BSNL Competitiveness - August 6, 2025
This document summarizes the Indian government's efforts to enhance the competitiveness and profitability of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 2912, answered on August 6, 2025, the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development provided details regarding government support, revenue growth, 4G/5G rollout plans, and initiatives to improve customer satisfaction.
Since 2019, the government has implemented several revival packages for BSNL. The first package, amounting to approximately Rs. 69,000 crores, was allocated in 2019 to reduce BSNL and MTNL's operating costs. A second revival package of around Rs. 1.64 Lakh Crores was provided in 2022, focusing on capital infusion, debt restructuring, and viability gap funding for rural telephony. In 2023, the government approved the allotment of 4G/5G spectrum to BSNL with a total outlay of approximately Rs. 89,000 crores. Furthermore, in February 2025, additional CAPEX support of Rs. 6,982 Crores was approved. These packages have enabled BSNL to achieve operating profits starting from FY 2020-21.
BSNL has experienced revenue growth across key service areas. Mobile revenue increased from Rs. 5,319 crores in FY 2023-24 to Rs. 5,503 crores in FY 2024-25. Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) revenue grew from Rs. 2,652 crores in FY 2023-24 to Rs. 2,923 crores in FY 2024-25. Leased Lines Circuits revenue also saw an increase, from Rs. 3,623 crores in FY 2023-24 to Rs. 3,658 crores in FY 2024-25.
In line with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, BSNL has placed a purchase order for indigenously developed 4G sites for pan-India deployment. As of June 30, 2025, a total of 95,537 4G sites have been installed, with 90,035 sites operational. The deployed equipment is 5G upgradable. BSNL is also participating in government schemes such as the 4G Saturation Scheme and Border Out Post (BOP)/Border Intelligence Post (BIP) initiatives to enhance network infrastructure and service quality. Details of these schemes are available at https:usof.gov.in.
Key Entities Referenced
BSNL: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, an Indian state-owned telecommunications company.
Ministry of Communications: A ministry in the Government of India.
Department of Telecommunications: A department under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH: Member of Parliament who raised the question about BSNL's competitiveness.
DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR: Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development.
MTNL: Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited, another Indian state-owned telecommunications company. (Often discussed together with BSNL).
Atmanirbhar Bharat: An initiative by the Government of India promoting self-reliance.
4G Saturation Scheme: A Government scheme aimed at expanding 4G network coverage.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2912
ANSWERED ON 6TH AUGUST, 2025
COMPETITIVENESS OF BSNL
2912. SHRI DUSHYANT SINGH:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:
(a) the specific measures implemented by the Government to support BSNL's return to
profitability during the last financial year, since 2007;
(b) whether the Government has a detailed breakdown of the revenue growth in BSNL’s
mobility services, Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) and leased line service, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any plans for BSNL's 4G and 5G rollout to enhance
competitiveness in the telecom sector and if so, the details thereof; and
(d) whether the Government has undertaken any initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and
reduce churn rates for BSNL and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) Government has taken various steps for revival of BSNL as mentioned below:
In 2019, first revival package amounting to around Rs. 69 Thousand Crores was given that
brought down the operating costs of BSNL/MTNL.
In 2022, revival package amounting to around Rs. 1.64 Lakh Crores was given. It focused
on infusing fresh capital, restructuring debt, viability gap funding for rural telephony etc.
In 2023, Government approved the allotment of 4G/5G spectrum to BSNL with the total
outlay of around Rs. 89 Thousand Crores.
In addition to these revival packages, the Cabinet Note for additional CAPEX support of Rs.
6,982 Crores has been approved on 07.02.2025.
As a result of these packages, BSNL has started earning operating profits from F.Y. 2020-21.
(b) The Mobile revenue of BSNL has increased from Rs. 5,319 crores in F.Y. 2023-24 to Rs.
5,503 crores in F.Y. 2024-25. The FTTH revenue of BSNL has increased from Rs. 2,652 crores in
F.Y. 2023-24 to Rs. 2,923 crores in F.Y. 2024-25. The Leased Lines / Circuits revenue of BSNL has
increased from Rs. 3,623 crores in F.Y. 2023-24 to Rs. 3,658 crores in F.Y. 2024-25.
(c) & (d) In line with Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, BSNL has placed purchase order for
indigenously developed 4G sites for pan India deployment. Supply of 4G equipment has started from
September 2023 and as on 30.06.2025, total 95,537 4G sites have been installed and 90,035 sites are
ON-Air. The equipment is 5G upgradable from technology perspective.
To enhance the network infrastructure and service quality, BSNL is executing the various schemes
of Government such as 4G Saturation Scheme, Border Out Post (BOP)/Border Intelligence Post
(BIP) etc. The details of these schemes are available on https://usof.gov.in.
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