Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), India’s third-largest internet service provider (ISP), boasts millions of fixed-broadband customers. As of September 30, 2023, the state-run telecom operator successfully delivered a total of 3.29 million fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections to customers, solidifying its position in the home fiber segment—a significant revenue contributor for BSNL. Particularly in rural India, BSNL’s Bharat Fibre emerges as an appealing choice for customers seeking reliable FTTH connections, offering exclusive plans tailored to the needs of rural areas, including the budget-friendly Rs 329 option and more.
Historically, BSNL held the distinction of being the largest fixed-broadband player in India in terms of subscriber market share. However, this position has since been claimed by Jio, with Airtel securing the second rank. BSNL, now occupying the third rank, is poised to maintain this position, as private telecom companies possess greater capacity to cater to customers and effectively market their services. Responding in writing to the Lok Sabha, Devusinh Chauhan, the Minister of State for Communications, stated, “BSNL is also focusing on the home fiber segment and has provided 3,299,535 Fiber to the Home (FTTH) broadband connections as of 30.09.2023.”
Chauhan further noted that both BSNL and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) achieved operational profits in FY21, a turnaround attributed to the government’s revival packages. In 2019, a revival package of Rs 69,021 crore was unveiled, emphasizing cost reduction for BSNL and MTNL. Subsequently, in 2022, a package of Rs 1.64 lakh crore aimed to curtail debt, inject fresh capital, provide viability gap funding for rural telephony, and address other pertinent issues.
In 2023, the government announced the allocation of 4G/5G spectrum to BSNL, with a total outlay of Rs 89,047 crore through equity infusion, further contributing to the telecom operator’s strategic development.
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