AirTel to get more spectrum

AirTel, Karnataka's leading cellular service provider, will soon be allocated with additional spectrum in the state as a result of crossing the one million customer base. Within the next 4-6 weeks, AirTel is certain that the Centre will release two packages of 1,800 MHz spectrum each, for Karnataka alone.

As the allocation of spectrum depends on the subscriber base in any state, regulations state that AirTel could get this spectrum only after it crosses the one million mark. Currently, AirTel is operating with a spectrum of 900 MHz in Karnataka.

According to Don Price, group chief technology officer, Bharti Tele Ventures Ltd, "Karnataka should get two rounds of 1,800 MHz spectrum each after crossing the one million customer base. We had applied for it even before we reached this mark. We expect this spectrum to be released within the next 4-6 weeks."

Reiterating AirTel's commitment to Karnataka, Price said that the state will witness a sea change not just in terms of customer addition but also adaptability to changing technologies. This additional spectrum will come in handy, especially after the company announced the launch of EDGE (3G technology) services in Karnataka.

AirTel had committed a capital expenditure of Rs 2,000 crore for its nationwide operations during the beginning of this fiscal.

However, looking at the manner in which it has scaled up, AirTel officials said that the investment is most likely to be exhausted within the end of next month.

These investments also include the company's migration to EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution), a 3G technology. In its journey so far, AirTel has moved from GSM (Global Standard for Mobile) to GPRS (Global Packet Radio System) and now EDGE.