Today’s telecom news includes announcements on India’s BSNL turning profitable, Telecom Italia, South Africa’s Communications Minister Solly Malatsi and India Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
BSNL Turns Profitable After 18 Years, Drives 4G/5G Network Expansion
BSNL reported a net profit of Rs 280 crore for Q4 FY25, following a Rs 262 crore profit in Q3, marking the first time in 18 years it has posted two consecutive quarterly profits. Operating revenue rose to Rs 20,841 crore for FY25, up from Rs 19,330 crore the previous year. The cumulative loss for FY25 narrowed to Rs 2,247 crore from Rs 5,370 crore in FY24. BSNL is accelerating nationwide 4G and 5G deployments using indigenous equipment. The government-backed operator is upgrading backhaul fiber infrastructure and advancing a network-as-a-service model. Asset monetisation efforts nearly doubled proceeds in the previous year, aiding infrastructure expansion. The Ministry of Communications highlighted increased capital expenditure and spectrum investments may reduce short-term profitability but expects long-term growth driven by technology upgrades and government support.
Italy’s Supreme Court Reviews €1 bn Telecom Italia Licence Fee Battle
Italy’s Supreme Court is reviewing Telecom Italia’s claim for a €1 billion ($1.14 billion) licence fee refund. The dispute dates back to 1998 after deregulation of the Italian telecom sector. A Rome appeals court ordered the government to repay over €500 million with revaluation and interest, totaling about €1 billion. The government appealed, challenging the court jurisdiction. The Supreme Court allowed one month for arguments; a ruling typically takes three to four months. Telecom Italia declined comment. The case reflects ongoing regulatory challenges in the European telecom sector.
India Declares Connectivity a Constitutional Duty with Rs 1.39 Lakh Crore Investment
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated connectivity is a constitutional commitment. Providers should focus on affordability, availability, accessibility, quality, safety, and emerging technologies like AI and IoT. He highlighted the National Broadband Mission 2.0 with Rs 1,39,000 crore investment to provide broadband at 100 Mbps minimum speeds to all villages, schools, and hospitals. India’s data cost dropped from Rs 287 per GB to Rs 9. The BharatNet project is key to expanding rural broadband. Telecom growth is at 14-16 percent CAGR nationally and 12-13 percent in the northeast, contributing to India’s rise from 11th to 4th largest economy, PTI reports.
South Africa Upholds Equity Laws While Opening Doors for Telecom Investments
South Africa’s Communications Minister Solly Malatsi stated the country will not change Black economic empowerment laws specifically for Starlink or other companies. Instead, equity equivalent programmes will allow infrastructure investment without local equity ownership requirements. This aims to accelerate broadband access while maintaining transformation goals addressing historical inequalities. The draft policy predates recent political meetings and aims to attract multinationals while upholding laws. The move responds to criticism about policy timing but confirms a commitment to both empowerment and infrastructure growth, Reuters reports.
TelecomLead.com News Desk
