Airtel Boosts Network Capacity with Tower and Spectrum Deployment
Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications companies, recently announced significant expansions to its network capacity through the deployment of new towers and spectrum across various regions. In the western state of Gujarat alone, the company revealed that it had added 1,700 towers over the past seven months. This rapid tower buildout translates to more than eight new sites being installed every day, allowing Airtel to extend its coverage to approximately 5 million people in the region.
Gujarat, the fifth-largest state in India by area, has been a key focus for Airtel’s network expansion efforts. With the addition of 1,700 towers, the company aims to enhance connectivity and improve service quality for its customers in the state. The deployment of these new towers reflects Airtel’s commitment to expanding its network infrastructure and meeting the growing demand for reliable and high-speed telecommunications services.
Furthermore, Airtel has also acquired new spectrum across about half of India, including states like Rajasthan, Kolkata, and Punjab. The deployment of additional spectrum in the 2100MHz, 1800MHz, and 900MHz bands will enable the company to enhance its network capacity and deliver improved performance to its subscribers. By strategically acquiring and deploying spectrum in key markets, Airtel aims to strengthen its position in the highly competitive telecommunications industry.
In addition to the tower deployment and spectrum acquisition, Airtel has made significant investments in its network infrastructure. The company ended June with a total of 324,500 towers, representing an increase of over 40,000 towers compared to the previous year. The number of base stations also rose by 11.1% to 947,377, underscoring Airtel’s efforts to expand its network reach and enhance its service delivery capabilities.
While Airtel has not disclosed specific figures for its 5G sites, the company’s focus on deploying new towers and acquiring spectrum in key bands indicates its readiness to embrace the next generation of wireless technology. As the demand for high-speed connectivity continues to grow, Airtel is positioning itself to capitalize on the opportunities presented by 5G technology and provide innovative services to its customers.
Airtel’s capital expenditure (capex) for fiscal year 2024 saw a significant increase of 18.5% to INR 333.8 billion ($4 billion). This substantial investment reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing its network infrastructure, expanding its coverage, and improving the quality of its services. By allocating resources towards network expansion and modernization, Airtel aims to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape.
In conclusion, Airtel’s efforts to expand its network capacity through tower deployments and spectrum acquisitions underscore its commitment to providing reliable and high-quality telecommunications services to its customers. With a focus on enhancing connectivity, improving service delivery, and embracing new technologies like 5G, Airtel is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of consumers and maintain its leadership in the Indian telecommunications market.