Bharti Airtel to Buy 400 MHz Spectrum from Adani Group’s ADNL

Bharti Airtel to Buy 400 MHz Spectrum: Bharti Airtel, one of India’s top telecom companies, has signed an important agreement with Adani Data Networks Limited (ADNL). The deal gives Airtel the rights to use 400 MHz of spectrum in the 26 GHz frequency band. This high-frequency spectrum will be used to improve Airtel’s 5G services in several key Indian regions.

Bharti Airtel to Buy 400 MHz Spectrum:
The spectrum has been divided across various states:
– Gujarat: 100 MHz
– Mumbai: 100 MHz
– Andhra Pradesh: 50 MHz
– Rajasthan: 50 MHz
– Karnataka: 50 MHz
– Tamil Nadu: 50 MHz

The agreement was announced on April 22, 2025, through a regulatory filing by Airtel and its subsidiary, Bharti Hexacom Limited. The 26 GHz spectrum is part of the millimetre-wave band, which is ideal for delivering ultra-fast 5G data speeds. This move is expected to strengthen Airtel’s position in the fast-growing 5G market.

Adani Data Networks had acquired this 400 MHz spectrum during India’s first 5G auction in August 2022. It planned to use the spectrum for its data centers and super app services across sectors like power distribution and airports. However, the company was unable to roll out commercial 5G services even after more than two years.

Reports suggest that Adani Data Networks received multiple warnings from the government for failing to meet the minimum rollout obligations. The company later paid the necessary dues and penalties as per auction rules, which require telecom companies to start services within a year of acquiring the license.

For Airtel, this acquisition is strategic. It not only increases its bandwidth but also enhances its capacity to offer better 5G services in cities and states with high data demand. The additional spectrum will help Airtel manage the growing number of users and their increasing need for high-speed internet.

This deal marks another step forward in India’s 5G journey, where established players like Airtel are investing heavily to stay ahead in the digital race.

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