Bharti Airtel announced that it has acquired 97 MHz of radio frequency spectrum in the recent auction, which concluded on Wednesday. This purchase constitutes around 60 percent of the total airwaves sold during the auction.
Airtel’s subsidiary, Bharti Hexacom, also participated in the auction and secured 15 MHz of spectrum at a cost of Rs 1,001 crore. The telecom company made this announcement through an official statement.
India’s Spectrum Auction
The spectrum auction in India concluded swiftly on the second day of bidding, with telecommunications companies collectively spending approximately Rs 11,340 crore to acquire radio waves. This amount represents only 12 percent of the government’s estimated minimum value of Rs 96,238 crore for the spectrum available in the auction.
Implications for Airtel
By acquiring significant spectrum holdings, Airtel aims to bolster its network capacity and enhance service delivery to its customers across the country. The spectrum purchase will enable Airtel to strengthen its position in the highly competitive telecom market in India.
Market Reaction and Government Expectations
The auction outcome, despite falling short of the government’s valuation expectations, underscores the strategic importance of acquiring spectrum for telecom operators. Airtel’s move reflects its commitment to expanding and improving its telecommunications infrastructure.
Airtel Global Presence
Airtel operates in over 18 countries across South Asia and Africa, serving more than 400 million customers. Its extensive network coverage and customer base make it one of the largest mobile service providers globally.
Mobile Services
Airtel’s mobile services form the core of its business. The company offers 2G, 3G, 4G LTE, and VoLTE services, with a focus on providing high-speed internet and reliable voice communication. In recent years, Airtel has been investing heavily in expanding its 5G network, aiming to lead the next generation of mobile connectivity.
Broadband and Fixed-Line
Airtel provides fixed-line telephone services and broadband internet under the Airtel Xstream Fiber brand. These services are known for their high-speed internet, offering up to 1 Gbps, catering to both residential and business customers.
Size of Airtel Business
Airtel Business offers a suite of services to enterprises, including cloud and data center services, managed services, internet of things (IoT) solutions, and cybersecurity. These solutions help businesses optimize their operations and enhance their digital infrastructure.
Airtel 97 MHz spectrum acquisition marks a strategic investment aimed at enhancing its network capabilities and meeting the growing demand for high-speed data services. As the telecom industry evolves, Airtel continues to innovate and invest in technologies that will shape the future of telecommunications in India.
