Editorial – JAN 2025

BSNL is lying about subscriber figures. Consumers are leaving in droves. Such is the magnitude of disconnections that as a cover up, the corporate office of BSNL has issued instructions to CGMs not to disconnect mobile numbers from the record of sale of SIMs. These falsehoods are then fed to report subscriber growth. We bring to you a detailed data dive of subs and revenue. Sample this: In December 2024, BSNL added 1.30 lakh post-paid connections but lost 3.27 lakh pre-paid connections. The actual stat: A net loss of 1.97 lakh mobile subscribers. Again, the November 2024 figures of 9.23 crore mobile subscriber base includes 3.66 crore inactive subscribers also. Many such examples of bloated reporting are revealed in our coverage alongside perennial network deficiencies, the handiwork of a few favoured vendors.

This is an analysis in public interest, particularly when 35 pc of BSNL workforce is to be laid-off with a VRS, a hefty consulting fee of Rs 132 crore for yet another turnaround advice. So when DoT puts out a projection that in 2027 BSNL will turn the corner and move into profitability, it seems a lot of balderdash. This when it has admitted to the parliamentary panel of staggering loss estimates for FY25 and FY 26.

BSNL’s ARPU is at Rs 41.

Meanwhile, contrary to the grand pronouncements, Bharat Net – III has entered a chaotic phase. For the rollout, BSNL issued advance purchase orders (APOs) for six packages to four entities in January 2025. However, all the APOs are subject to the outcome of the cases filed by two companies – Pace Digitek and A2Z Infra – before Delhi High Court challenging their rejections. How were the selections of vendors done? What are the bid investigations underway? Why those who submitted multiple bids have still not faced any action? What are the price negotiations underway? How ITI subverted eligibility criteria in its selection of consortium partners and how these awards helped the selected vendors reap a windfall in the stock market. Our cover story reveals all.