NEW DELHI: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has approved a third extension for 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 is effective from October 15, 2025, to January 14, 2026, 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 assigned additional charge on July 13, 2024, following the non-extension of tenure for former CMD P. K. Purwar. His charge was subsequently extended twice — first from January 15 to July 14, 2025, and again from July 15 to October 14, 2025.

Under Jerard’s interim leadership, BSNL has shown signs of a turnaround, reporting consecutive 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 subscribers in August 2025, its highest monthly gain in over a year. As part of its network expansion, BSNL has installed around one lakh mobile towers across the country.