Bharti Airtel acquires 97 MHz spectrum for ₹6,857 crore at auction

Bharti Airtel announced purchase of spectrum in key circles. The telecom company said that it has acquired 97 MHz spectrum by winning back spectrum that was expiring in the current year and additionally purchased spectrum to enhance its mid-band spectrum holding across the select circles. With this purchase, Bharti Airtel will continue to enjoy the largest mid-band spectrum pool in the country. The company has spent total consideration of Rs 6,857 cr to secure the said quantum of spectrum.

Out of the above, Bharti Hexacom Ltd has acquired 15 MHz with an outlay of Rs.1,001 cr.

The spectrum purchase is in line with company’s stated strategy to build large pool of mid-band holding to deliver seamless 4G and 5G services across the country. Airtel has consistently been at the forefront of introducing disruptive technologies to India. As a result of the use of the mid-band spectrum, customers can enjoy enhanced browsing speeds in addition to improved indoor coverage.

Gopal Vittal – MD & CEO, Bharti Airtel said, “Airtel continues to judiciously acquire the right amount of spectrum to deliver the best possible experience to our customers. In this auction, we have bolstered our sub-giga hertz and mid-band holding which will significantly improve our coverage especially indoor.”

CT Bureau