BSNL Core Operating Profit Grows by 105% in 9-Month Period of FY26: Jyotiraditya Scindia

Why It Matters

The surge in profitability and revenue demonstrates BSNL’s operational revival, reshaping competition in India’s telecom landscape and supporting broader digital infrastructure goals.

Key Takeaways

• EBITDA rose 105% to ₹4,858 crore in nine months.
• Revenue grew 13% to ₹17,705 crore FY26 Q3.
• ARPU increased to ₹91, up ₹10 QoQ.
• Government targets ₹27,500 crore revenue FY26.
• Satellite spectrum pricing under review for broadband services.

Pulse Analysis

BSNL’s recent earnings highlight a rare turnaround for a legacy public‑sector telecom operator. After years of fiscal strain, the company’s EBITDA more than doubled, driven by cost‑optimization, network upgrades, and a modest rebound in voice and data traffic. This profit surge is especially notable given the sector’s intense price competition from private rivals like Jio and Airtel, and it underscores the effectiveness of recent policy support and capital infusion from the Ministry of Communications.

The revenue uplift, though modest at 13%, reflects growing demand for affordable connectivity in tier‑2 and tier‑3 markets where BSNL retains a strong footprint. An ARPU increase to ₹91 suggests that customers are adopting higher‑value services, such as broadband bundles and enterprise solutions. The government’s FY 26 target of ₹27,500 crore signals confidence that BSNL can sustain growth, potentially prompting further strategic partnerships or asset rationalizations to enhance network efficiency and market share.

Looking ahead, the rollout of satellite‑based broadband could be a game‑changer for BSNL, especially in underserved regions. The ministry’s focus on finalizing spectrum assignment prices aims to lower entry barriers for satellite services, aligning with India’s broader digital inclusion agenda. If BSNL secures favorable terms, it could leverage its extensive tower infrastructure to offer hybrid terrestrial‑satellite solutions, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the country’s next wave of connectivity expansion.