Airtel takes another step in delivering the best network for customers in Karnataka

Deploys additional 11.2 Mhz spectrum in 1800 band that will boost network capacity for high speed data services

At 68.8 Mhz, Airtel has the largest spectrum bank in Karnataka and is well positioned to serve the booming demand for data services

Bengaluru, May 24, 2021: Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), India’s premier communications solutions provider, today said that it has upgraded its mobile network in Karnataka to deliver the best network experience for its customers.

Airtel has deployed an additional 11.2 Mhz spectrum in the 1800 Mhz band along with advance network software tools across its network in the state to significantly bolster high speed data capacity. The deployment will strengthen an already superior network for Airtel customers across the state. It will enable improved network availability and data speeds along with better coverage inside homes and buildings in cities and urban areas. The deployment also allows Airtel to offer wider coverage along highways and rail routes as well as increase footprint in villages as more people access high speed data services.

Airtel had acquired the 11.2 Mhz spectrum for Karnataka during the recent auctions conducted by the Government of India. With this fresh spectrum, Airtel has the largest spectrum bank of 68.8 Mhz in Karnataka. With its diverse spectrum holdings across 2300/2100/1800/900 bands, the company is well positioned to serve the growing demand for high speed data services and its network is fully ready for 5G.

Sharan Shetty, CEO - Karnataka, Bharti Airtel said, “We are obsessed with delivering a world-class service experience to our customers and continue to invest aggressively in new spectrum and network upgrades at a time when our customers need it the most. Airtel now has the largest spectrum bank in Karnataka and our future ready network is well positioned to meet the surging demand for high speed data.”

Following the pandemic, the adoption of the work from home, online classes, video streaming has witnessed a massive surge. Airtel’s intervention to build additional capacities will go a long way in helping customers stay connected.

Airtel has also deployed advanced network technologies and tools such as pre-5G Massive MIMO, 4G Advanced and Carrier Aggregation to step up high speed network capacity and coverage.

Airtel has over 3.03 crore customers in Karnataka and its network covers 97.5% population of the state.

About Bharti Airtel

Headquartered in India, Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 471 mn customers in 18 countries across South Asia and Africa. The company ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India’s largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel’s retail portfolio includes high speed 4G/4.5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services. For enterprise customers, Airtel offers a gamut of solutions that includes secure connectivity, cloud and data centre services, cyber security, IoT, Ad Tech and cloud based communication. For more details visit www.airtel.com