Bharti Airtel Powers Gujarat With Over 2,750 New 5G Sites and Launches ₹399 Plan

Bharti Airtel has significantly strengthened its 5G presence in Gujarat, deploying over 2,750 new cell sites across all 36 districts. This network expansion is set to enhance connectivity for more than 41 million customers by providing faster speeds and improved digital experiences. The company has also rolled out a new unlimited data plan at ₹399 for smartphone users, reinforcing its competitive position in the state.

Strategic Importance for Airtel

The substantial investment underscores Airtel's strategy to solidify its market presence in Gujarat, a vital economic region. Enhanced 5G infrastructure is anticipated to boost data usage, increase customer satisfaction, and attract new subscribers as digital needs grow for both consumers and businesses.

Background: National 5G Rollout

As India's second-largest telecom operator, Bharti Airtel has pursued a rapid nationwide 5G rollout since launching services in October 2022. The company has secured essential spectrum to ensure both broad coverage and sufficient capacity. Gujarat has emerged as a priority market, highlighted by the opening of Airtel's 100th retail store in the state in January 2026. This latest 5G expansion fits into Airtel's broader capital expenditure plans, with investments continuing in areas like home broadband, data centers, and further 5G network build-out.

Impact on Customers and Market

The enhanced 5G network means customers in Gujarat can expect faster download and upload speeds, along with lower latency. This expansion also extends 5G access to more remote and rural areas within the 36 covered districts. This move bolsters Airtel's competitive position against rivals, particularly Reliance Jio, in the important Gujarat market. The introduction of the ₹399 unlimited plan is designed to attract price-sensitive customers and potentially boost the company's average revenue per user.

Financial Context and Risks

Despite the positive expansion, Bharti Airtel faces financial considerations. The company reported a 55% year-on-year profit decline in its December 2025 quarter, attributed to increased operating costs and a 28% rise in capital expenditure. Profitability continues to depend significantly on its India Mobile segment. Early indicators of potential 5G capacity limitations and ongoing substantial capital expenditure for broadband and data centers are also factors to monitor.

Competitive Landscape

Bharti Airtel operates in a highly competitive market. Reliance Jio is also aggressively expanding its 5G network and home broadband services nationwide. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea (Vi) is working through financial challenges, which could impact its 5G deployment speed compared to its main competitors.

Key Financial Figures

Key financial figures from Bharti Airtel's December 2025 quarter results include:

• Consolidated net profit: ₹6,630.5 crore (a 55% year-on-year decline)
• Consolidated revenue: ₹53,982 crore (a 19.6% year-on-year rise)
• Capital expenditure: ₹11,787 crore (a 28% surge)

Future Focus Areas

Investors and observers will be watching several key areas:

• The rate at which customers adopt the new 5G services in Gujarat and the network's overall impact.
• The performance and customer reception of the new ₹399 unlimited data plan.
• How competitors like Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea respond to Airtel's expanded Gujarat coverage.
• Updates on Airtel's future capital expenditure, especially regarding further 5G densification and other growth initiatives.
• The influence of these network investments on future revenue, profit margins, and average revenue per user (ARPU).