Bharti Airtel Limited and its subsidiary, Bharti Hexacom Limited, have announced definitive agreements with Adani Data Networks Limited (ADNL) for the acquisition of rights to use 400 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band.
The spectrum is distributed across six circles: Gujarat (100 MHz), Mumbai (100 MHz), Andhra Pradesh (50 MHz), Rajasthan (50 MHz), Karnataka (50 MHz), and Tamil Nadu (50 MHz).
In the 2022 spectrum auction, Adani group acquired the 400 MHz spectrum in 26 GHz band for Rs. 212 crore, but it didn’t deploy 5G till date.
The acquisition will allow Airtel to utilize this spectrum for the provision of wireless broadband services in these regions. The 26 GHz band is considered crucial for deploying high-capacity 5G networks and delivering enhanced user experiences.
The completion of the transaction is contingent upon the fulfillment of standard closing conditions, including adherence to the Spectrum Trading Guidelines and receipt of necessary statutory approvals. Further details regarding the financial aspects of the agreement were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
This development signifies Airtel’s continued focus on strengthening its spectrum portfolio and expanding its 5G service capabilities across key markets in India. The acquisition of these usage rights from ADNL will enable Airtel to further enhance its network capacity and cater to the increasing demand for high-speed data services.