Bharti Airtel, a global telecommunications services provider with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, has acquired 115.0 MHz spectrum for a total consideration of Rs 185.3 billion in the just concluded spectrum auction conducted by the Government of India.

Bharti Airtel will make an upfront payment of Rs 54.25 billion, with the balance to be paid in ten annual instalments of Rs 13.1 billion each, commencing two years from now.

The company's spectrum acquisition is in line with its strategy of building a robust network of the future and enhancing its leadership position in the fast growing data segment.

The company plans to roll-out high speed 4G networks in various circles using FD-LTE technology in the 1800 MHz band besides its existing TD-LTE roll-out in the 2300 MHz band, giving it a pan-India 4G footprint.

Gopal Vittal, Jt. MD & CEO-India, Bharti Airtel said, ''The auction has provided much needed long term certainty and clarity around spectrum and other regulatory policies. However, future auctions should ensure that more spectrum in the 900 MHz band is secured from other agencies and the operators who are grossly underutilizing this important spectrum band. The auction also highlights the urgent need for vacating E-GSM spectrum in the 800 MHz band, which is being used for older technologies or is lying unused with certain agencies.'' 

Shares of the company declined Rs 5.55, or 1.8%, to settle at Rs 302.60. The total volume of shares traded was 135,871 at the BSE (Thursday).