India's largest mobile operator, Bharti Airtel, last week announced that it has acquired 111.6 MHz of prime spectrum across 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for Rs. 29,130 crores in the just concluded spectrum auction conducted by the Government of India. With the acquisition, the Operator will be able to offer pan India 4G services using a combination of FD-LTE technology in the 1800 MHz band and TD-LTE roll-out in the 2300 MHz band. It will also be able to offer 3G across all markets with the exception of Kerala using a combination of 900 MHz and 2100 MHz.
Of the investments made, Rs.17,618 crores have been spent on the renewal of existing spectrum while the balance Rs.11,512 crores have been spent on procuring the new spectrums. The Company’s spectrum acquisition strategy is aimed at enhancing its leadership position in the fast growing data segment in the country.
Bharti Airtel said that it has successfully renewed all its spectrum holdings in the 900 MHz band in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and North East circles. It has also acquired additional spectrum in the 900 MHz band in key leadership circles of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, North East, Assam, Bihar and Orissa.
Bharti Airtel has also acquired 1800 MHz spectrum across Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Kolkata, Orissa, Haryana and North East. The Company has added to its spectrum holding in the 2100 MHz band by acquiring fresh spectrum in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh (East), Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Tamil Nadu circles.
We have secured a 20 year roadmap and have a strong platform to lead the Digital India story. However, the auction design and the scarcity of spectrum have resulted in exorbitant bids to secure the spectrum, particularly in renewal circles, where huge investments have already been made on the assurance of a continuity of business enshrined in the licenses issued by the DoT. We hope that in future auctions, the Government will make available adequate spectrum by securing it from agencies and operators who are underutilising this vital resource.
