BSNL Telegram Services Closed in July 2013 across India

On July 15, 2013, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) officially discontinued India’s 163-year-old telegram service. This decision marked the end of an era for a communication method that had been a cornerstone of urgent messaging in India since the mid-19th century.

Background and Reasons for Closure

• Historical Significance: The telegraph service was introduced in India in 1850 by William O’Shaughnessy and expanded rapidly across the country. It played a crucial role in India’s communication infrastructure, especially during the colonial era and the freedom movement.
• Decline and Redundancy: With the advent of modern communication technologies such as SMS, emails, and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the telegram service became increasingly redundant. Despite efforts to revitalize it, including a price hike in 2011, the service continued to incur significant losses.
• Financial Challenges: BSNL faced substantial financial losses, with reports indicating annual losses of over $23 million due to the service’s declining demand2. The company had previously discontinued international telegram services in March 2013 in an attempt to cut costs.

Impact and Aftermath

• Employee Redeployment: To mitigate job losses, BSNL planned to redeploy staff from the telegram service to other sectors such as mobile, landline, and broadband services.
• Union Protests: The decision to close the service was met with protests from unions, who argued that the closure violated the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and that the service still generated significant revenue with minimal operational costs.
• Cultural Significance: The telegram service held a special place in Indian culture, often being used for significant life events and news. Its discontinuation marked a significant shift in how Indians communicate, with digital platforms becoming the norm.

The closure of India’s telegram service in July 2013 was a response to the changing communication landscape, where faster and more convenient digital technologies had made traditional telegraphy obsolete. While it marked the end of an era, it also paved the way for more efficient and modern communication methods.

For more information on BSNL’s current services and plans, you can visit the BSNLTeleservices for updated information.