Airtel to Acquire 400 MHz Spectrum from Adani Enterprises in 5G boost
Bharti Airtel, the second-largest telecom provider in India, and its subsidiary Bharti Hexacom Limited have finalized agreements with Adani Data Networks Limited (ADNL), a division of Adani Enterprises, to purchase the rights to utilize 400 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz band.
Several important Indian regions, including Gujarat, Mumbai, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, will make use of the spectrum.
For Bharti Airtel, this acquisition is a calculated decision that will allow the company to improve its network services and increase its capacity in these crucial areas.
The millimeter-wave spectrum's 26 GHz band is essential for fast data transfer, particularly given the rising demand for 5G services.
To improve digital infrastructure throughout its various commercial operations, including as ports, airports, power production, and logistics, ADNL emphasized that it had no plans to enter the consumer mobility sector and that it wanted to use this spectrum for private network solutions.
In October 2022, ADNL received a Unified Licence for Access Services shortly following the spectrum.
This license gave the business permission to offer all-inclusive telecom services throughout India.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reprimanded ADNL in January of this year for its tardiness in launching 5G cellular services even after obtaining the spectrum.
The company purchased the rights to utilize the airwaves for its super app and data centers, which assist industries from airports to electricity distribution.
However, over two years after being granted a unified telecom license, the company was unable to launch 5G telecom services.
The government has sent Adani Data Networks several warnings for failing to comply with the minimum rollout obligations (MRO) for 5G services, according to reports.
Also Read: Gautam Adani: The Story of a Luminary Man
Additionally, it has been stated that Adani has paid the necessary spectrum dues and fines for not meeting rollout criteria. Telecom companies are required by auction rules to launch commercial services in their licensed territories within a year.