New Delhi: Bharti Airtel has acquired 400 MHz of 5G spectrum in the 26 GHz band from Adani Data Networks, a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises.
The deal between Airtel and Adani includes spectrum across key circles, 100 MHz each in Gujarat and Mumbai, and 50 MHz each in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The transaction amount remains undisclosed.
Background: Adani’s Underutilised 5G Assets
Adani Enterprises had acquired the 400 MHz spectrum in August 2022 for Rs 212 crore with plans to use it for private networks across its business operations, such as airports, ports, logistics, and power generation. However, over two years after the purchase, the company failed to operationalise the spectrum.
This inaction had drawn scrutiny from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), which issued multiple show-cause notices to the Adani group. As per DoT’s auction rules, spectrum holders must begin commercial use within one year of acquisition. Non-compliance could lead to penalties, one lakh rupees per week for the first 13 weeks, and Rs 2 lakh per week thereafter.
Airtel Steps In Amid Regulatory Pressure
Sources suggest that Airtel’s acquisition may help Adani avoid further regulatory action while allowing Airtel to strengthen its 5G footprint in strategic zones. The move comes at a time when telecom operators are under pressure to expand 5G services and meet rollout commitments.
While Airtel has not publicly commented on how it will integrate this newly acquired spectrum into its network strategy, industry experts believe this acquisition could improve Airtel’s capacity in urban and industrial regions where 26 GHz spectrum is considered valuable for high-speed, low-latency applications.
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