Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel, a prominent telecommunications company, was established in India in 1995 by Sunil Bharti Mittal. Since its inception, it has grown into one of the leading telecom operators not only in India but also in several other countries. The company operates through various subsidiaries, expanding its reach and services globally.

In terms of operations, Bharti Airtel provides a wide range of telecommunications services, including mobile and fixed-line telephony, broadband, digital TV, and enterprise solutions. With operations spanning across Asia and Africa, it serves millions of customers with its diverse portfolio of products and services.
Under its product and service umbrella, Bharti Airtel offers mobile voice and data services, internet connectivity, digital TV services, and enterprise solutions such as cloud computing and managed services. Its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has propelled it to the forefront of the telecom industry.
Bharti Airtel’s commitment to sustainability and excellence has garnered significant recognition, which is evident in the plethora of awards it has received. Notable accolades include the Golden Peacock Award for Sustainability in 2020 and 2023, Business World's acknowledgement as one of the Most Sustainable Companies in 2023, and the Economic Times Sustainable Organizations award in the same year. The Prithvi Awards from the ESG Research Foundation and the Dun and Bradstreet Overall ESG Excellence Award in 2023 further solidify its position as a leader in sustainable business practices.

Airtel, also referred to as Bharti Airtel Limited, was founded in 1984 by Sunil Mittal, who started his business career in India by making push-button phones. Mittal saw the telecom sector's potential and seized the chance to bring innovative telecom technology to the Indian market. The telecom industry of the Bharti Group was formally established in 1992 with the incorporation of Bharti Telecom Limited.

The turning point came when Bharti acquired a mobile phone network permit for Delhi in 1994. In 1995, Bharti began its journey as a mobile service provider by launching its cellular services under the brand name AirTel in collaboration with the French telecom giant Vivendi. To oversee these operations, Bharti Telecom established Bharti Cellular Limited as a subsidiary. 

Within a few years, Bharti became one of the first telecom firms to reach the 2 million mobile subscriber mark, and quickly grew its customer base. The company transformed the Indian telecom market by introducing innovative pricing tactics, such as decreasing STD/ISD cellular costs under the "India One" brand.

To increase its geographic reach, Bharti went on a buying binge and formed strategic alliances in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 1999, it took over JT Holdings, expanding its cellular activities to include Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. Later purchases included Spice Cell in Kolkata (2001) and Skycell Communications in Chennai (2000).

In 2002, Bharti Enterprises became an important player in the telecom industry by going public and listing on the Bombay Stock Exchange and the National Stock Exchange of India. In 2003, the business unified its many offers under a single brand by rebranding its cellular phone operations under the Airtel name.

Bharti's international reach began in the mid-2000s. Airtel entered the African market in 2009 when it introduced its first international mobile network in Sri Lanka. In 2010, it acquired Zain Telecom's African division.

Maintaining its development trajectory, Airtel expanded its offerings by including digital TV services, broadband internet access, and Airtel Payments Bank. Strategic alliances with major international firms like Google Cloud enhanced its position within the digital ecosystem.

Airtel is still dedicated to advancing innovation, connection, and digital inclusion to influence the direction of telecommunications in the age of digitalisation.

Airtel's mission is to foster seamless connectivity globally, transcending geographical boundaries and socioeconomic barriers. Committed to innovation and customer-centricity, we strive to empower individuals, businesses, and communities by providing reliable and affordable telecommunications solutions. Through our extensive network and cutting-edge technologies, we aim to bridge the digital divide, catalysing economic growth and societal development. Our unwavering dedication to excellence drives us to continuously enhance our offerings, enriching lives and enabling endless possibilities in the digital era.

Airtel envisions a world where connectivity knows no bounds and where every individual, irrespective of location or background, can harness the transformative power of telecommunications. We aspire to be at the forefront of technological innovation, shaping the future of connectivity and digital experiences. With a relentless focus on integrity, collaboration, and sustainability, we aim to create a connected ecosystem that fosters growth, prosperity, and inclusivity. Our vision is to be the catalyst for positive change, empowering communities and driving progress towards a more connected and prosperous world.

Mobile Telephony
Airtel's mobile telephony services offer comprehensive solutions for voice calls, SMS, and data connectivity, catering to millions of users globally with a focus on reliability and seamless communication. Their offerings include flexible pay-as-you-go plans and comprehensive pay monthly plans, providing high data limits, unlimited calling, and additional benefits like OTT subscriptions. Airtel Black integrates mobile, broadband, and digital TV services into a single package, enhancing convenience for users. With advanced network infrastructure and continuous innovation, Airtel ensures robust coverage and high-speed data access, making it a preferred choice for mobile communication.

Broadband Internet Access
Airtel provides high-speed broadband internet access through various technologies, ensuring efficient and reliable connectivity for both residential and business customers. Airtel Xstream Fibre offers ultra-fast fibre broadband with diverse speed options, often bundled with streaming devices and OTT subscriptions. For areas not yet covered by fibre, Airtel's DSL services offer traditional high-speed internet. Additionally, leased lines provide dedicated internet connectivity for businesses, ensuring high reliability and consistent speeds. These services are designed to meet the evolving demands of modern digital lifestyles and business operations.

Digital TV Services
Airtel's digital TV services deliver high-quality entertainment content directly to homes through Direct-to-Home (DTH) technology, offering a variety of channel packages to suit diverse viewer preferences. Airtel Digital TV includes both HD and SD channels, providing a rich viewing experience with crystal-clear picture quality. Interactive features such as recording, parental control, and on-demand content enhance user engagement, making television viewing more personalised and enjoyable. With a broad selection of channels and value-added services, Airtel Digital TV ensures an immersive and comprehensive entertainment experience for households.

Airtel Payments Bank
Airtel Payments Bank facilitates digital transactions and financial services, promoting financial inclusion and accessibility across India. It offers mobile wallets for secure and convenient transactions, online banking services accessible through mobile and web platforms, and quick money transfer services within India. The bank aims to bridge the gap between traditional banking and digital financial solutions, making banking more accessible, especially for underserved and rural populations. By leveraging Airtel's extensive network, Airtel Payments Bank ensures that users have access to essential financial services anytime, anywhere.

Enterprise Solutions
Airtel Business provides a suite of tailored solutions designed to meet the needs of enterprises, enhancing productivity and driving growth in the digital era. These solutions include cloud services offering scalable infrastructure, storage, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) options. Managed connectivity solutions such as MPLS and IPVPN ensure secure and reliable network performance. Additionally, advanced conferencing solutions facilitate seamless business communication. Airtel Business also offers cybersecurity services, data centre services, and IoT solutions, empowering enterprises to leverage technology for competitive advantage and operational efficiency.

Digital Assets
Airtel's digital assets enrich the user experience with a wide array of digital content and services. Wynk Music, a comprehensive music streaming service, offers a vast library of songs and curated playlists. The Airtel Xstream app provides access to live TV, movies, and shows, catering to diverse entertainment needs. Airtel Thanks, a versatile mobile app, allows users to manage their accounts, perform top-ups, pay bills, and access exclusive offers and content. These digital platforms are designed to provide entertainment, convenience, and value-added services, enhancing the digital lifestyle of Airtel's users.