Interview with A. Robert J. Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited -

A. Robert J. Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited

The year 2024 was a significant year for state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), which has served as a key pillar of connectivity in India, particularly in the hinterland. Towards the end of the year, the telco rebranded itself, unveiling a new logo and introducing several innovative services aimed at enhancing customer experience and safety. It also commenced its much-awaited 4G roll-out. In an exclusive interview with tele.net, A. Robert J. Ravi, Chairman and Managing Director, BSNL, discussed the company’s key focus areas and priorities…

How would you assess the progress of the Indian telecom sector over the past 25 years? How has the role of BSNL evolved during this period?

India’s telecom sector has seen unprecedented growth over the past 25 years, transitioning from basic 2G services to high-speed fibre broadband and now 5G connectivity. Mobile penetration now covers 98 per cent of the population, and initiatives like BharatNet and Digital India have revolutionised rural broadband access, making telecom a key driver of economic and social transformation.

BSNL has been at the heart of ensuring connectivity in underserved and remote areas. We have connected over 200,000 villages and 164,000 gram panchayats (GPs) under BharatNet, while deploying over 700,000 km of optical fibre to power India’s broadband ecosystem. Our commitment to rural connectivity, affordability and national security communications has made us a pillar of India’s telecom infrastructure.

Beyond connectivity, BSNL has been a pioneer in introducing new-age digital solutions that enhance customer experience and security. We have launched innovative services such as:

BSNL Intranet TV (BiTV): Free mobile TV access to 400+ channels for all our mobile users
BSNL Fiber TV (IFTV): Enabling broadband users to access premium content over fibre at no cost
National Wi-Fi roaming: Seamless internet access through 50,000+ BSNL Wi-Fi hotspots
Direct-to-device satellite communication: Advancing secure and emergency communications
Spam-free networks: Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions to eliminate fraudulent calls and messages.

Very importantly, during this period, BSNL has improved its financial position through revenue growth and multiple efficiency-enhancing and financial streamlining initiatives. These have helped BSNL turn profitable in Q3 of 2024-25, for the first time since 2007.

BSNL is evolving from a traditional telecom operator into a technology-driven digital enabler, committed to India’s self-reliance, national security and digital transformation. We are fully committed to making BSNL the first choice for connectivity in India’s digital revolution.

What were the key business highlights during 2024?

2024 has been a year of rapid transformation, strategic execution and digital rebranding for BSNL, marked by aggressive network expansion, next-generation service roll-outs and a renewed customer-first approach.

One of our biggest priorities has been 4G deployment, where we have made unprecedented progress. We have also developed, through our partner, an AI-powered network operating system. Alongside mobile expansion, fibre deployment has been a game changer. Our fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections crossed 4 million, growing steadily across urban and rural markets. In the past one year, BSNL has made huge strides in deploying the first “Made in India” telecom stack.

In line with BSNL’s digital transformation strategy, we unveiled a new brand identity on October 22, 2024, alongside new offerings designed to enhance customer experience and market positioning.

To further enhance customer engagement, BSNL has undertaken a complete revamp of its website and self-care app, making them more intuitive and feature-rich. We have also introduced industry-first pricing models in 4G, FTTH and enterprise services, streamlined prepaid plans, and launched new value-added service offerings. BSNL has also made big strides in customer acquisition and enterprise growth. Our home SIM delivery model is in full swing, simplifying activation for new users.

What has been the progress on 4G roll-out? What are the plans for 5G service launch?

BSNL has made remarkable progress in its 4G roll-out, executing one of the fastest network expansions in recent history. We have rapidly accelerated deployment, with on-air towers increasing from approximately 10,000 in June 2024 to over 71,000 as of February 15, 2025. This rapid expansion has led to over 10 million new 4G subscribers since March 2024, driving a 20x surge in daily data traffic, which now exceeds 2 PB per day.

BSNL’s 4G deployment is not just about coverage, it is about quality. A dedicated 4G QoS (quality of service) monitoring cell is ensuring superior network performance. Additionally, we have a comprehensive plan ready for rolling out another 22,000 4G sites, further strengthening our footprint across urban and rural markets.

On the 5G front, BSNL is pursuing a three-pronged strategy:

5G NaaS (network-as-a-service) model: We have launched India’s first 5G NaaS tender to introduce 5G services in Delhi, in partnership with leading Indian original equipment manufacturers. This no-capex model will allow BSNL to leverage the cutting-edge technology efficiently and accelerate deployment in strategic locations.
Targeted 5G upgrades: Our deployed 4G stack is fully 5G-ready, enabling us to upgrade our network to 5G in key hotspots.
Focus on enterprise 5G solutions and private 5G: The aim is to provide robust connectivity for industries, critical communications and PPDR networks.

What are your views on rural telecom coverage in India? What has been the progress under BharatNet?

India has achieved remarkable milestones in telecom penetration, with coverage extending to over 98 per cent of the population. However, there are still underserved areas where connectivity is a challenge, and that is where BSNL steps in.

Under the Digital India Mission, BSNL has been instrumental in connecting rural and remote areas. We have connected 214,000 GPs under BharatNet, introduced Wi-Fi services in over 4 million locations and strengthened disaster relief networks. Our role in bridging the digital divide remains pivotal.

Under the amended BharatNet, BSNL is implementing a ring-based fibre architecture to enhance network resilience and scalability. We are going to cover another 49,000 GPs. This initiative aims to provide high-speed broadband connectivity to all GPs and villages on demand, including provisions for 15 million high-speed FTTH broadband connections in rural areas. BSNL has successfully established around 1.2 million FTTH broadband connections so far.

What are the biggest challenges that BSNL faces today? What strategies are being adopted to stay relevant in a competitive environment?

BSNL is navigating several challenges, including legacy infrastructure, increasing competition and the need for faster technology adoption. However, we view these as opportunities for transformation, and our revival strategy is focused on strengthening our network, accelerating innovation and enhancing customer experience. We are rapidly deploying 4G nationwide and are actively advancing 5G trials in Delhi, alongside private 5G initiatives such as a captive network for mining and connectivity solutions for the Mahakumbh. Our fibre infrastructure is undergoing major upgrades, reducing network latency and ensuring seamless digital access.

On the technology front, network security and service reliability remain our top priorities. BSNL has implemented a spam-free network, offering enhanced security against cyberthreats and fraud. To further improve customer engagement, we are integrating services into an omni-serve digital platform that streamlines user experience.

From a financial perspective, BSNL is optimising operational costs and investments while focusing on high-growth areas such as enterprise services, IoT and AI-driven automation. Our AI-powered churn prevention model, already implemented across a few telecom circles, is helping us provide quality service to customers.

What is your outlook for the Indian telecom sector? What role do you envisage for BSNL in the country’s telecom future?

The Indian telecom sector is entering a new era of hyperconnectivity, with 5G, AI, IoT, quantum computing and cybersecurity reshaping industries, businesses and everyday life. As India moves towards becoming a global digital powerhouse, BSNL is also set to play a pivotal role in ensuring that these cutting-edge advancements are inclusive, affordable and secure for all citizens.

While 5G deployment is under way, the groundwork for 6G has already begun in the country. We have more than 200 institutions researching on 6G technologies. With research focusing on terahertz communication, AI-driven networks and quantum encryption, we also aim to be a key contributor to India’s 6G ecosystem. Our vision will be to ensure ultra-reliable, high-speed connectivity with AI-driven automation for smarter, more responsive networks that cater to smart cities, autonomous vehicles, holographic communication, industrial automation and immersive XR experiences.

As telecom networks evolve, so will cybersecurity threats. The sector will actively work on fortifying networks with AI-driven threat detection, post-quantum encryption and blockchain-based security. Adopting quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms will be crucial to safeguard against potential threats posed by quantum computing advancements, including the integration of quantum key distribution.

BSNL will remain at the heart of India’s digital transformation, driving innovation while bridging the rural-urban divide. With our leadership in BharatNet, 4G/5G, FTTH, nationwide Wi-Fi roaming, private 5G networks, and smart village initiatives, we are poised to lead the next phase of India’s digital revolution.

Our commitment extends beyond connectivity. We are building a sustainable, secure and AI-powered telecom ecosystem that will not just connect India to the world but empower its people and businesses with next-generation digital solutions. The future of India’s telecom sector is one of immense possibilities, and we are committed to shaping this future with innovation, security and inclusivity at its core.