New Delhi, Aug 22: A month after getting additional spectrum, Bharti has launched country’s first dual band network in Delhi. Airtel Delhi has thus become the largest network in terms of subscriber base (1.1m) and spectrum (10 MHz). Bharti has also announced the deployment of 70 dual band cell sites in hotspots like Connaught Place, Okhla, and Chandni Chowk and plans to deploy 40 more cell sites and 2 mobile switching units in the next 6 to 8 weeks. The company has also upped investment in its cellular infrastructure and network to Rs 250 crore from Rs 175 crore announced earlier.
Bharti is also applying for additional 5 MHz spectrum, with its subscriber base close to 1.2m mark. The company’s subscriber base has already crossed 1.1m. The company has a spectrum allocation of 10 MHz (8MHz is in the 900 MHz band and 2 MHz in the 1800 MHz band).

“The network, which has been designed by Ericsson, will ensure better connectivity and minimal network congestion even at peak hours, especially at high call traffic areas or hotspots. The dual band solution will also lead to further optimisation in spectrum usage,” Sanjay Nandrajog, CEO, Bharti Cellular (North Central region), said. AirTel has a subscriber base of 1.1m in Delhi.
According to a company official, 85% of subscribers have handsets which support dual band network, while the balance 15% subscribers, who do not, would be taken on 900 MHz band. Bureau Report