Airtel may hike capex to Rs 280 bn for 5G rollout
ECONOMY & POLICY

Airtel may hike capex to Rs 280 bn for 5G rollout

Bharti Airtel plans to invest Rs 270-280 billion in its telecom network with the focus on 5G rollout.

While the company is plans to increase capital expenditure by 10-15%, it has no plans to charge a premium rate for 5G services, as such differential tariff schemes have not worked in several countries that tried it.

“Airtel capex will be in line with that spent in the last three years. It may go up or down because of the faster rollout of 5G - around Rs 27,000-28,000 crore. We may see an upsurge in one year and gradually moderate around the same level,” an official who did not wish to be named said.

The company earlier had an annual average capex in the range of Rs 240-250 billion. The official said that capex is being largely spent on radios (mobile antennas), fibre, broadband, enterprise technology, data centres, etc.

According to data from the Telecom Ministry, Bharti Airtel has rolled out 3,293 base stations for 5G till November 26.

The official said that the company hopes mobile service rates will go up, but the range of increase will depend on market dynamics.

He said that in the next six weeks the company will have a full idea of the pilot and take calls on its rollout in other telecom circles.

He said that the company sees a lot of business coming from consumers shifting from 2G to 4G, pre-paid to postpaid, and postpaid customers buying all of Airtel's services like broadband, direct-to-home etc.

See also:
India’s data centres have attracted $10 bn since 2020
AWS launches cloud infra region in Hyderabad


Bharti Airtel plans to invest Rs 270-280 billion in its telecom network with the focus on 5G rollout. While the company is plans to increase capital expenditure by 10-15%, it has no plans to charge a premium rate for 5G services, as such differential tariff schemes have not worked in several countries that tried it. “Airtel capex will be in line with that spent in the last three years. It may go up or down because of the faster rollout of 5G - around Rs 27,000-28,000 crore. We may see an upsurge in one year and gradually moderate around the same level,” an official who did not wish to be named said. The company earlier had an annual average capex in the range of Rs 240-250 billion. The official said that capex is being largely spent on radios (mobile antennas), fibre, broadband, enterprise technology, data centres, etc. According to data from the Telecom Ministry, Bharti Airtel has rolled out 3,293 base stations for 5G till November 26. The official said that the company hopes mobile service rates will go up, but the range of increase will depend on market dynamics. He said that in the next six weeks the company will have a full idea of the pilot and take calls on its rollout in other telecom circles. He said that the company sees a lot of business coming from consumers shifting from 2G to 4G, pre-paid to postpaid, and postpaid customers buying all of Airtel's services like broadband, direct-to-home etc. See also: India’s data centres have attracted $10 bn since 2020AWS launches cloud infra region in Hyderabad

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

REC Transfers HVDC Project to Power Grid

REC Limited has successfully handed over the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission project to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). This strategic move aligns with the nation's objectives to strengthen its power transmission network. Key Highlights: Project Overview: The HVDC project, under the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) initiative, is a critical component of India's push toward robust and efficient electricity transmission. It aims to handle bulk power transfer across long distances while ensuring minimal losses. Role of RE..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

NF Railway Collaborates with IIT Guwahati

The Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway has signed strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Guwahati to foster technological advancements and improve railway operations in the region. This partnership focuses on innovative solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail infrastructure. Key Highlights: Purpose of MoUs: The collaboration aims to leverage IIT Guwahati's expertise in technology and research for implementing cutting-edge solutions across railway operations. Key areas of focus include: Automation and digitization in maintenance. Sustainability initiati..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Danapur Division Modernization Plans Revealed

The Railway Board has unveiled ambitious plans for the expansion and modernization of the Danapur Division, a critical hub under the East Central Railway. The initiative focuses on infrastructure development, enhanced passenger amenities, and operational efficiency. Key Highlights: Scope of Modernization: The Railway Board's blueprint emphasizes: Upgrading existing infrastructure to accommodate more passenger and freight traffic. Improving station facilities, such as platforms, waiting areas, and connectivity. Introducing advanced signal systems for safer and smoother operations. Freig..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000