Aug 31, 2022
Aug 01, 2022: Airtel acquires 19867.8 MHz spectrum in 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100MHz, 3300 MHz and 26 GHz frequency bands through the auction for Rs 43,084 cr.
Spectrum validity of 20 years, an ideal spectrum bank for the best 5G experience, and 100x capacity enhancement are all done strategically at the least cost.
Airtel has set detailed 5G network rollout plans for 5000 towns to achieve a pan-India rollout by March 2024.
Non-Standalone Access (NSA) has more advantages over Standalone Access (SA) as the telco has a solid mid-band spectrum to offer a better 5G experience to its customers.
The 3.5 GHz band extends at least 30 per cent more on the downlink, which implies a massive 100 meters extra. This helps more coverage in Urban areas, while mid-band provides the uplink.
All devices work in NSA mode, the most widely available ecosystem in the world. In Markets where both SA and NSA have been launched, the traffic on SA is less than 10 per cent of total 5G traffic.
NSA also allows airtel to use existing 4G at no extra cost and a faster call connect time on voice. Also, Airtel can provide faster uplink than anyone else with the massive mid-band spectrum holdings.
The sub GHz layer on 5G SA gave only 8-10Mbps speeds, which was no different from 4G. The 700MHz band is absolutely no different from 800 or 900MHz in terms of propagation.
Instalment for 4 years settled ahead of schedule to free up cash flows for 5G rollout.
Sunil Mittal has praised the Government for issuing the 5G spectrum allocation letter along with E-band airwaves within hours of airtel making its initial payment.
— Sunil Mittal
— Sunil Mittal