BSNL’s road to revival challenging: Analysts

State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) may have got a shot in the arm with the Rs 1.64 lakh crore package but analysts and former company executives say the road to its revival is challenging, with the loss-making telco lagging far behind private sector rivals.

The announcement of the revival package for ailing BSNL came at a time when private telecom players are close to launching next generation 5G services while BSNL is yet to launch 4G mobile services.

“BSNL is an important player in the telecom market. But it cannot revive unless the end goals are clear—either it has to compete like a commercial private player or play an important/strategic role for the government. It can’t be both,” telecom expert Mahesh Uppal said. “To compete with private players, BSNL requires less government interference in decision making, more flexibility in procurement etc.”