With the honourable PM Narendra Modi announcing the Digital India Vision, the country saw various developments in the technological sector. And keeping in line with this, Airtel launched its 4G services in 296 towns across India, in August, 2015. It had promised that it would make further contributions towards the Digital India Vision.
True to its promise, Airtel had signed a deal with Aircel for acquiring 4G spectrum against 8 circles back in April this year [2016]. According to present reports, it has succeeded in acquiring the spectrum of Odisha circle, which completes its acquisition of 7 circles.
What Airtel is saying
According to a regulatory filing by Aircel with the BSE
The acquisition of rights to use 20 MHz 2300 Band BWA spectrum from Aircel, Bharti Airtel has now informed BSE that the proposed transaction has been successfully concluded for Odisha circle following the receipt of all necessary approvals and satisfying all the conditions [including conditions stated in the spectrum trading guidelines].
With this, the company has completed the transaction in 7 out of 8 circles namely Tamil Nadu [including Chennai]; Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Assam, North East and Odisha.
To acquire the Odisha circle, Airtel was required to give away 1.2 MHz of spectrum with a valuation of Rs. 38 crore. That is because the acquisition deal was crossing the spectrum limit for Aircel. Does this spell a surge in 4G rate? That only time will tell. Airtel had promised that 4G will be available for the cost of 3G. So, one thing is for sure – now we get to enjoy unfaultering speed for less.
If this can be coupled with some great recharge deals that are easily available online, it would be a complete win-win situation for the consumers. There are quite a few coupon sites that are popular today for instance Happy Sale. Using coupon codes is a great way to save on everyday needs, be it recharge or bill payments. Yet, if there’s doubt as to why it is better to migrate to Airtel 4G, check out articles that aptly answers this question.
How is this deal beneficial for Airtel ?
Till date Reliance JIO has been the only brand to hold the 4G spectrum in 22 circles all over the country. Now, Airtel becomes the second largest company to hold 4G spectrum with a bandwidth of 2300 MHz, with this latest acquisition. And the acquirement of the Odisha circle is not the only latest accomplishment by Airtel. They have also launched 4G services in West Bengal, Kharagpur; it being the second city to enjoy 4G services after Kolkata.
The Kharagpur services were introduced on the basis of dual spectrum bands. One is of a bandwidth of 1800 MHz [FD LTE] and the other is of a bandwidth of 2300 MHz [TD LTE]. FD is the one in which there is less interference, which helps with better reception. TD is in which transmission happens alongside reception, at the same time. As per the company, this combination will help with improved user experience. And the 4G services are compatible not only with mobile phones, but also with dongles and 4G hotspots.
The news of the Aircel 4G spectrum deal along with the launch of 4G services in Kharagpur has increased the stock value of the company. It is reportedly said to have closed at a rate of Rs. 346.20 on Thursday.