In a move that has piqued the interest of telecom enthusiasts across India, Bharti Airtel has officially introduced its Airtel Xstream AirFiber service to the Indian market. The launch of this innovative service, however, comes with a catch—it’s currently available exclusively in two of India’s largest metropolitan hubs: Mumbai and Delhi.
Strategic City Selection
The decision to roll out Airtel Xstream AirFiber in Mumbai and Delhi is anything but arbitrary. Both cities are economic powerhouses, contributing significantly to Airtel’s revenue stream. Moreover, these cities boast relatively robust 5G coverage, making them prime candidates for the initial release of this cutting-edge product.
Airtel’s strategic approach is driven by the need to gauge demand for Airtel Xstream AirFiber before venturing into other parts of the nation. It’s important to note that Airtel’s 5G coverage has yet to blanket every nook and cranny of the country. Expanding the service prematurely could lead to increased inventory costs for Airtel without guaranteed returns, which would hinder the company’s ability to turn a profit.
Availability and Future Expansion
As of now, Airtel Xstream AirFiber is a coveted offering limited to the fortunate residents of Mumbai and Delhi. However, it’s expected that as demand for 5G networks continues to surge among consumers, Airtel will extend the reach of Xstream AirFiber to encompass more parts of India. The company’s calculated approach ensures that the service is rolled out strategically, capitalizing on areas with established 5G infrastructure.
Cost Considerations
One of the standout features of Airtel Xstream AirFiber is its accessibility. This service is designed to be user-friendly and cost-effective. Customers can acquire the plug-and-play device by paying a one-time refundable security deposit of Rs 2,500. Additionally, Airtel currently offers a single plan, priced at Rs 4,425 (exclusive of GST), which provides users with 100 Mbps of internet speed for a duration of 6 months. It’s worth noting that the uniformity of this speed for both uploads and downloads remains undisclosed at this time.
Fulfilling Connectivity Gaps
Airtel Xstream AirFiber occupies a unique niche as the first 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) service in India. It is tailored to cater to consumers who lack access to traditional fixed-line internet connections. Deploying fiber-optic infrastructure across every corner of the country is a monumental challenge, and the Xstream AirFiber steps in to bridge the connectivity gaps that persist in fiber coverage.
In essence, Airtel Xstream AirFiber is not just a promising addition to the Indian telecom landscape; it’s a practical solution for those living in areas where traditional broadband connectivity is yet to reach. As the demand for high-speed internet continues to grow, Airtel’s calculated expansion of its Xstream AirFiber service ensures that more Indians can benefit from reliable and high-performance internet access in the future.
