Airtel Boosts Connectivity in Wayanad and Kozhikode with Network Expansion

Kozhikode, March 8, 2024 – Bharti Airtel, a leading telecommunications provider in India, is expanding its network in the Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. This expansion is part of Airtel’s rural enhancement project aimed at improving connectivity in less urbanized areas.

Expanding Network Footprint

Airtel has added new sites across 48 towns and 293 villages in these districts, enhancing network coverage for a population of 17.8 lakh. This move aims to provide a superior customer experience, offering better voice and data connectivity. The enhancement touches upon key tehsils including Kozhikode, Thamarassery, Quilandy, Vadakara, Mananthavady, Sulthanbathery, and Vythiri, promising high-speed connectivity crucial for work, study, and entertainment in rural and smaller towns. Despite the challanges, airtel is taking a lead on Jio in the recent quarters.

Strengthening Rural Connectivity

In 2024 alone, Airtel reaffirmed its commitment to Kerala with significant investments to bolster 4G, 5G, broadband, and fiber connectivity. The rural enhancement project, a nationwide initiative by Airtel, targets to improve network connectivity across 60,000 villages, including Kerala’s focus on covering 1600 further villages and 355 towns.

Enhancing High-Speed Data Access

The project, covering all 14 districts of Kerala, is set to increase network capacity and extend services to rural and previously unconnected areas. Adding fresh fiber capacity is also on the agenda to meet the growing demand for high-speed data services.

Coverage Across Key Areas

Airtel’s network now spans urban, semi-urban, and rural locales, including highways, tourist spots, and trade centers. This expansion ensures that Kerala’s hill stations to beaches, and other popular destinations, enjoy improved connectivity. Specifically, Wayanad, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta districts will see better network services, making Airtel accessible in even the most remote locations.

Airtel’s Global Moves

Airtel Africa’s Strategic Share Buy-back

In another significant development, Airtel Africa initiated a share buy-back program, purchasing 491,861 shares on the London Stock Exchange. This move, executed through Citigroup Global Markets Limited on March 1, 2024, marks the beginning of the program aimed at enhancing shareholder value.

Investment Highlights

Moreover, GQG Partners acquired a 0.8% stake in Bharti Airtel, buying 4.9 crore shares at Rs 1193.70 each in a bulk deal. The transaction underscores the robust investor confidence in Airtel, coinciding with the company’s shares trading at all-time high levels.

Mutual Fund Interest

Adding to the positive momentum, mutual funds have also shown interest, purchasing 1,151,312 shares, further solidifying Airtel’s financial standing and market position.

Airtel’s continued expansion and investment in infrastructure, both domestically and internationally, reflect its dedication to enhancing connectivity and service quality for its customers, contributing to its growth trajectory and strengthening its market presence.