Bharti Airtel Limited has declared the procurement of 97 megahertz spectrum. The move is aimed at enhancing its services, as per a press release shared on the Bombay Stock Exchange.

What Happened: The telecom behemoth has secured the spectrum for a span of 20 years, shelling out a total of ₹6,857 crore. The acquisition comprises the renewal of spectrum due to expire this year, along with additional purchases to augment its mid-band holdings in key circles.

This strategic move by Bharti Airtel is in line with its commitment to provide seamless 4G and 5G services across the nation. The use of mid-band spectrum is anticipated to offer customers improved browsing speeds and superior indoor coverage.

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Gopal Vittal, managing director and CEO of Bharti Airtel, expressed that the company continues to prudently acquire the right quantum of spectrum to deliver an optimal experience to its customers. He further added that this acquisition will notably enhance their coverage, particularly indoors.

Why It Matters: This acquisition is significant as it allows Bharti Airtel to maintain its stronghold in the country’s mid-band spectrum pool. With the increasing demand for high-speed internet services, especially in the wake of the ongoing digital transformation, this move is expected to strengthen Airtel’s position in the competitive telecom market.

The enhanced spectrum will not only improve the quality of services but also help in retaining and attracting more customers amid its rivalry with Reliance Jio.

Furthermore, the acquisition aligns with the company’s long-term strategy of investing in network infrastructure to meet the growing data consumption needs of its customers. The additional spectrum will also aid in the smooth rollout of 5G services, once the necessary regulatory approvals are in place.

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