Bharti Airtel this w eek confirmed the acquisition of defunct mobile broadband operator Augere Wireless, bolstering its 4G spectrum amidst an aggressive network expansion.
Augere Wireless won 20 MHz of BWA spectrum in the Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh telecom circle in 2010. It aimed to launch services in 2011; however, the company, backed by former Orange and LightSquared CEO Sanjiv Ahuja, put the launch on hold, citing regulatory uncertainty.
In 2012, it emerged that Augere was looking to sell its spectrum and exit India altogether.
Local media in May this year reported that Bharti was in advanced talks to acquire Augere for 1.5 billion rupees (€21.2 million).
Under the terms of the deal announced on Wednesday, Bharti Airtel will acquire 100% of Augere Wireless, which will become a wholly owned subsidiary of India’s biggest mobile operator.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
The acquisition comes as Bharti aggressively extends 4G coverage across India.
Earlier in August, the Economic Times reported that the operator aims to make LTE services available in 296 towns in the 14 circles in which it holds 4G spectrum over the coming weeks. At the time of the report’s publication, Bharti offered 4G in 45 cities and towns.
Establishing the biggest possible 4G footprint will help Bharti Airtel to compete more effectively with Reliance Jio Infocomm, which plans to launch 4G services in December with a view to reaching nationwide coverage within three years.
