Lower depreciation charge aided BSNL’s ride to profitability

State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) reported a quarterly net profit of Rs 262 crore in the October-December period — the first time in 17 years — primarily due to a sharp reduction in depreciation and amortisation expenses, along with an increase in other income. According to analysts, going forward the company will have to focus on improving its core operations for a sustainable financial turnaround or long-term profitability.