- BSNL added 8.5 lakh subscribers in September 2024, while private giants lost over one crore users.
- Prasar Bharati launched WAVES, a digital platform offering streaming, gaming, and e-commerce.
- Both face challenges like outdated tech (BSNL) and strong private competition (Prasar Bharati).
State-run giants BSNL and Prasar Bharati are showing signs of a comeback in their respective industries. BSNL, India’s public telecom provider, added 8.5 lakh wireless subscribers in September 2024, while major private players like Reliance Jio and Airtel collectively lost over one crore users. BSNL avoided tariff hikes and focused on enhancing customer experience with features like spam blockers and automated SIM kiosks.
Meanwhile, Prasar Bharati embraced the digital age by launching WAVES, its OTT platform offering live TV, video-on-demand, gaming, and e-commerce. This move aims to modernize its content delivery and engage new audiences by reimagining classics and creating fresh shows like Fauji 2.0 and Kakbhushundi Ramayana.
Despite these advancements, both entities face challenges. BSNL struggles with delayed 4G and 5G rollouts, while Prasar Bharati needs to compete with established OTT platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime. However, their recent growth shows promise, signaling a potential revival of state-run brands.
