Bharti Airtel has acquired 19,800 MHz spectrum by securing a pan India footprint of 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz bands in the spectrum auction, along with selective bolstering of the mid-band spectrum. The spectrum has been acquired for a consideration of Rs 43,084 crore. The spectrum has been acquired for 20 years.
The company, over the years, has accumulated its pool of low and mid-band spectrum (Sub GHz, 1800, 2100, 2300 bands) which can be used to provide 5G coverage, whereas the massive capacities in the 3.5 GHz and 26 GHz bands will allow it to create 100X capacities.
The company plans to launch 5G services in every part of the country, starting with key cities.
“Airtel is delighted with the results of the 5G auction. This spectrum acquisition at the latest auction has been a part of a deliberate strategy to buy the best spectrum assets at a substantially lower relative cost compared to our competition. This will allow us to raise the bar on innovation and address the emerging needs of every discerning customer who demands the best experience in India. We are confident that we will be able to deliver the best 5G experience in India in terms of coverage, speeds and latency. This will allow us to change a lot of established paradigms for both our B2C and B2B customers. 5G technology is the revolution that can alter India’s manufacturing, services and several other sectors. We remain fully committed to the Government’s Digital India vision and will continue to do what is needed to ensure that India becomes a beacon for the world in terms of technology.”
Gopal Vittal, M.D & CEO, Bharti Airtel
3300 MHz Band
Airtel has picked up 100 MHz spectrum each across all telecom circles. It has acquired 2,200 MHz spectrum pan India in the 3300 MHz band for a consideration of Rs 31,700 crore.
26 GHz Band
Airtel has picked up 800 MHz spectrum each across all telecom circles. It has acquired 17,600 MHz spectrum pan India in the 26 GHz band for a consideration of Rs 5,592 crore.
2100 MHz Band
Airtel has picked 5 MHz spectrum each in Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Kerala, and West Bengal. The 30 MHz spectrum acquisition came for a consideration of Rs 2680 crore.
1800 MHz Band
Airtel has picked up 5 MHz spectrum each in Himachal Pradesh, Kolkata, and Maharashtra. Additionally, it has picked up 5.2 MHz, 4 MHz, and 0.8 MHz in Odisha, Mumbai, and Uttar Pradesh (East) telecom circles, respectively. The 25 MHz spectrum acquisition came for a consideration of Rs 2,764 crore.
900 MHz Band
Airtel has picked up 3.8 MHz, 5 MHz, and 4 MHz in Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and North East telecom circle respectively. The 12.8 MHz spectrum acquisition came for a consideration of Rs 349 crore.
Note: For details about the complete spectrum footprint of all operators across all bands in the 22 telecom circles, refer to our exclusive Pan India Spectrum Holding Chart 2022
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