New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has granted a third extension to Ravi A Robert Jerard to continue holding additional charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL).
According to a DoT notification, the latest extension will be effective from 15 October to 14 January next year, or until a regular appointment is made, whichever is earlier. Jerard will not receive any additional remuneration during this period.
The interim arrangement, cleared by the Minister of Communications, is subject to the approval of the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
An Indian Telecom Service (ITS) officer with 34 years of experience, Jerard currently serves as Deputy Director General (Standards, Research & Innovation) in the DoT. He was first given the additional charge on 13 July 2024, following the non-extension of tenure for former CMD P. K. Purwar. His charge was previously extended twice – first for six months from 15 January to 14 July 2025 and then for another three months till 14 October 2025.
Meanwhile, BSNL has shown signs of turnaround under his interim leadership, reporting back-to-back quarterly profits for the first time in 18 years, Rs 262 crore in Q2 FY25 (July–September) and Rs 280 crore in Q3 FY25 (October–December). The state-run telecom operator also added 1.3 million new mobile users in August 2025, marking its highest monthly subscriber gain in over a year. As part of its expansion drive, BSNL has installed around one lakh mobile towers across India.
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