Indian telco Bharti Airtel said on Wednesday it has deployed recently-acquired extra spectrum in Rajasthan, which it says will boost performance of its 4G and 5G services in the state.
Airtel bought 97 MHz of spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz bands for INR68.57 billion (US$816.5 million) as part of India’s 5G spectrum auction in late June. Most of that involved renewal of its existing spectrum licences, but it also included an additional 5 MHz on the 1800-MHz band and 4 MHz on the 900-MHz band.
Marut Dilawari, CEO of Airtel’s Rajasthan Circle, said that the additional spectrum has now been deployed across Rajasthan, which will boost QoS for 4G and 5G voice and data services in Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Alwar, Sikar and Pali.
“With the integration of this new spectrum, customers across the state can now enjoy enhanced call connectivity, faster data speeds and an overall improved performance,” he said in a statement.
Airtel added that the extra spectrum also expands its coverage along highways and rail routes, as well as increases its footprint in rural areas.
The deployment of extra spectrum comes as Airtel is in the process of refarming spectrum on its 1800, 2100 and 2300 MHz bands across the country to expand 5G services and support 4G customers who are pivoting to 5G. Airtel said the refarmed spectrum will give 5G customers enhanced browsing and better indoor coverage.
Airtel claims to have the largest spectrum pool in India, with holdings in the 900-MHz, 1800-MHz, 2100-MHz and 2300-MHz bands.
