Latest news with #AirtelBusiness
Entrepreneur
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Entrepreneur
Airtel Business Aims To Double Growth In IoT Division
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. The Internet of Things (IoT) is the force behind the world's major revolution in connected technology solutions. IoT helps enterprises unlock a competitive edge by driving efficiency, enhancing safety, reducing costs, and enabling smarter decision-making across sectors. "For Airtel, IoT is amongst the fastest growing product portfolios in the enterprise space with a focus on doubling down growth. Our growth in this space is attributed to our consistent strategic investments in both our in-house IoT platform and a custom network built for IoT devices. We are increasingly combining connectivity and Cloud services, making our solutions an economical choice for customers," said Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO- Airtel Business. Airtel Business currently connects over 48 million IoT devices across use cases. IoT initiatives are also being driven by digitization programs of the Government such as National Smart Grid Mission aimed at reducing aggregate technical and commercial losses for the DISCOMs. "In this area , we are working with SIs deploying the smart metering solutions and acting as one stop solution providers for the smart metering technology stack," he said. IoT connectivity remains the company's largest contributor and the focus is expanding beyond core capabilities. The connected car ecosystem One of the emerging trends in terms of consumer IoT can be witnessed in the automotive sector. The connected car ecosystem in India has evolved rapidly over the past 24-36 months, with all leading auto manufacturers either launching connected offerings or gearing up for it. "The focus of OEMs is to launch an Internet-enabled vehicle, wherein connectivity and smart features are at the core of the product offering. We tailor IoT solutions to cater to the distinct needs encountered by enterprises across the automobile domain. OEMs are looking for solutions to enable traffic segregation between infotainment and vehicle telematics, a problem we have solved by enabling multi-APN support. They are also looking to share the connectivity costs with the vehicle owner, which has been enabled by Airtel Business via an innovative multi-party billing solution," added the CEO. Connected vehicle data has the potential to redefine the driving experience. With India gearing up to become a global manufacturing hub for automobiles, device OEMs and IoT solution providers are looking to manufacture and build their IoT solutions in India and deploy globally. Some of the other analytics are around real time driving patterns and driver behavior helping OEMs build features aimed at improving safety. OEMs today implement security features such as emergency calling (e-call) and SOS communication to ensure that the vehicle can communicate with a contact center in case the passenger needs any help. 5G & Beyond While the network infrastructure is rapidly expanding, the widespread adoption of 5G IoT devices will take time. For 5G IoT to achieve widespread penetration, the cost of 5G modules and devices needs to significantly decrease. Automotive OEMs will be the earliest adopters of full 5G capabilities for IoT. This is primarily driven by the need for higher throughput to support bandwidth-intensive use cases like in-car infotainment, including music streaming, video on demand, and seamless connectivity for multiple passenger devices. These applications benefit significantly from the enhanced speeds and capacity that 5G provides. "Beyond these high-bandwidth applications, we anticipate that the broader 5G IoT market will also gravitate towards 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap). Use cases such as advanced wearables, industrial sensors, are ideal candidates for RedCap, offering a better balance of performance, power efficiency, and cost. Our core network already supports 5G RedCap. However, the widespread availability of cost-effective RedCap modules and the development of such solutions will take time to evolve," Sinha said. In Fy26, as part of expansion, Airtel Business will continue to provide comprehensive full-stack solutions across various verticals like asset monitoring, energy management, and smart logistics. Specifically for the smart metering sector, where large SIs and EPC companies are seeking single-stop providers for their technology IoT devices penetration increases, issues around data security and privacy are gaining prominence. "We have been building capabilities to ensure that our customers and their data always remain secure. Airtel Business strictly complies with Department of Telecom's guidelines on IoT which mandate restrictive communication for IoT devices. We have deployed dedicated core network infrastructure which enforces these policies stringently, while giving our customers the flexibility to dynamically configure and define rules on the fly," the CEO IoT market growth is set to accelerate in 2025. Starting this year, the enterprise IoT market growth is forecasted to re-accelerate, growing at 14 percent CAGR through 2030. Driving this recovery is spending on IoT-related SaaS and IaaS, both forecasted to grow at over 20 percent CAGR through the rest of the decade, stated a report by IOT Analytics.
Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Bharti Airtel gains after Q4 PAT zooms 432% YoY; recommends final dividend of Rs 16/sh
Bharti Airtel advanced 1.98% to Rs 1,857.05 after the telecom major's consolidated net profit soared 432.04% to Rs 11,021.8 crore in Q4 FY25 as against Rs 2,071.6 crore reported in Q4 FY24. Revenue from operations increased 27.33% YoY to Rs 47,876.2 crore in Q4 FY25, driven by strong underlying momentum in India, a rebound in reported currency revenue growth in Africa and full quarter impact of Indus Towers consolidation. Profit before exceptional items and tax was at Rs 9,724 crore in Q4 FY25, registering growth of 85.80% from Rs 5,233.5 crore recorded in Q4 FY24. The company reported an exceptional items of Rs 140.1 crore during the quarter. EBITDA for Q4 FY25 increased by 39.9% to Rs 27,404 crore, compared to Rs 19,590 crore reported in Q4 FY24. The EBITDA margin also improved, rising to 57.2% in Q4 FY25 from 52.1% in Q4 FY24. The company reported a total capital expenditure (capex) of Rs 14,401 crore for Q4 FY25. During the quarter, Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, Amortization, and Lease Liabilities (EBITDAaL) stood at Rs 24,384 crore, up 48% year-on-year (YoY), with a margin of 50.9%. The telecom majors consolidated mobile data traffic for the quarter was at 21,598 PBs, registering YoY growth of 22%. During the quarter, the overall customer base stood at approximately 591 million across 15 countries, marking a 5.1% YoY increase. India's revenues for Q4 FY25 stood at Rs 36,735 crore, marking a 28.8% YoY increase. Mobile revenues grew by 20.6% YoY, led by tariff repair and its relentless focus to premiumize the portfolio and winning quality customers. Average revenue per user (ARPU) for the quarter stood at Rs 245, up 17.78% over Rs 209 in Q4 FY24. The telecom operator stated that it maintained its leadership position in the postpaid segment, achieving continued momentum with net additions of 0.6 million in Q4 FY25, resulting in a total postpaid customer base of 25.9 million. Its market share in the smartphone segment continued to improve, with the addition of 24 million usersan increase of 9.5% YoY. Airtel Business revenue declined by 2.7% YoY, impacted by portfolio transformation as the company moved away from low-margin global wholesale commodity voice and messaging services. Airtels Homes business saw improved momentum with revenue growth of 21.3% YoY, driven by strong customer additions. During the quarter, we accelerated our Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) expansion, supporting continued growth with net additions of 812K customers, bringing the total customer base to 10.0 million. The company also expanded its home-pass network at an accelerated pace, adding over 2 million home passes during the quarter. During the quarter, the company installed approximately 3.3K additional towers and 13.6K mobile broadband stations to expand its network footprint and enhance the customer experience nationwide. Its commitment to delivering an excellent network experience is reflected in continued investments, with approximately 19.9K towers added and 44.4K kilometers of fiber deployed (YoY). Digital TV posts revenue of Rs 764 crore with a customer base of 15.9 million. The company continues to gain customer market share with a simplified pricing structure, market-specific strategy, and differentiated converged offerings. Net Debt-EBITDA ratio (annualized) stands at 1.86 times (on reported basis) as compared to 1.98 times as on 31 December 2024. Net Debt (excluding lease obligations)-EBITDAaL ratio is at 1.42 times on reported basis. Meanwhile, Africa revenues for the quarter stood at $1,334 million in constant currency, registering a 21.3% growth compared to $1,099 million in the corresponding quarter last year, driven by growth across all regions, including Nigeria, East Africa, and Francophone. EBITDA margin (in constant currency) was 47.1%, down by 1.1 Bps YoY, while EBIT margin (in constant currency) was 29.4%, a decrease of 2.8 Bps YoY. The customer base reached 163.1 million and capex for the quarter amounted to Rs 1,181 crore. Meanwhile, Africa revenues for the quarter stood at $ 1,380 million in constant currency grew by 23.2% as compared to $ 1,120 million in the corresponding quarter last year as a result of growth across all regions including Nigeria, East Africa and Francophone. The EBITDA margin (in constant currency) was 47.5%, up 120 basis points YoY. The EBIT margin stood at 29.9%, down 94 basis points YoY. The customer base now stands at 166 million. Gopal Vittal, vice chairman and MD, Bharti Airtel, said, We ended FY 25 on a strong note with consolidated revenue of 47,876 crore, growing 6.1%. India's revenue increased by 6%. Africa continued its underlying performance even as there was steadiness on currency. India Mobile business grew by 1.3% sequentially, despite having 2 less days in the quarter. Growth was driven by premiumization. We added 6.6 million smartphone users and maintained an industry-leading ARPU of Rs 245. Our Homes business saw step up in customer net additions, resulting in sequential revenue growth of 5.8%. Our IPTV services are now live in over 2000 cities, enhancing large screen viewing experience for customers. Airtel business revenue moderation was inline with our strategy outlined last quarter to shed our low margin wholesale business while underlying growth continues to remain steady. Our balance sheet is solid, supported by strong cash generation, disciplined capital spending, and ongoing debt reduction. We prepaid Rs 5,985 crore of high-cost spectrum dues in the last quarter with prepayment of over Rs 42K crore in last two years. Meanwhile, the companys board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 16 per equity share for the financial year 2024-25. Bharti Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 550 million customers in 15 countries across South Asia and Africa.
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Business Standard
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Bharti Airtel stock hits new high in subdued market; surges 13% in 1 month
Share price of Bharti Airtel today Shares of Bharti Airtel hit a new high of Rs 1,912, gaining 2.5 per cent on the BSE in Tuesday's intra-day trade in an otherwise subdued market on expectations of healthy earnings. The stock price of telecom services provider surpassed its previous high of Rs 1,904.20 touched on April 21, 2025. In comparison, the BSE Sensex was down 0.2 per cent at 80,636 at 02:13 pm. In the past one month, Bharti Airtel has outperformed the market by surging 13 per cent, as compared to 10 per cent rally in the BSE Sensex. Thus far in the current calendar year 2025, the stock has rallied 19 per cent, as against 2.7 per cent rise in the benchmark index. Date of board meeting for Q4 results The board of directors of Bharti Airtel are scheduled to meet on May 13, 2025 to consider and take on record the audited financial results for the fourth quarter (Q4) and year ended on March 31, 2025. Analysts believe Bharti Airtel is well poised to deliver a strong multi-year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) growth phase, given recent developments in the Indian wireless industry and market repairs (tariff hike and relief from the government). Airtel Business launches 'Business Name Display' (BND) for enterprises Airtel Business on Monday announced the launch of 'Business Name Display' (BND), an industry-first solution designed to enhance customer engagement for enterprises. The service enables businesses to display their brand name on the recipient's mobile screen during outgoing calls, thereby fostering trust and helping customers distinguish legitimate business calls from spam. The solution was successfully piloted with over 250 businesses across sectors including banking, retail, food delivery, mobility, Quick commerce, courier and logistics. These businesses used 1.5 million+ phone numbers to make 12.8 million calls in the last 30 days, leading to an impressive increase in customer engagement, Bharti Airtel said in a press release. Brokerage view – Mirae Asset Sharekhan Bharti Airtel is on a strong footing aided by strong underlying momentum across India Wireless business, Homes, Airtel Business, and Digital portfolio in India coupled with sustained constant currency growth in Africa. The agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink's high-speed internet services to its customers is likely to augment the company revenues by selling and installing Starlink terminals through its retail network and targeting businesses and government sectors in remote areas with satellite connectivity solutions. The brokerage firm in the company report said that they believe the partnership with SpaceX is in the right direction although pricing and regulation challenges will render it neutral in the near term but immediately allay telecom disruption concerns. Analysts believe that higher bundling with home entertainment, partnerships with content providers, and increasing data consumption due to work-for-home and online education could be major growth drivers for telecom sector going ahead. Reliance Jio initial public offering Mukesh Ambani's telecom giant, Reliance Jio, is reportedly planning an initial public offering (IPO). According to a Business Standard report, Jio Platforms, which is believed to be considering starting the process of filing for an IPO, is estimated by analysts to have an enterprise value (EV) in the range of $136 billion-$154 billion at its peak. This is equivalent to that of the sixth-largest listed telecom company in the world by market capitalisation as of today, the newspaper reported. About Bharti Airtel Headquartered in India, Bharti Airtel is a global communications solutions provider with over 550 million customers in 15 countries across India and Africa. The company also has its presence in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka through its associate entities. Bharti Airtel ranks amongst the top three mobile operators globally and its networks cover over two billion people. Airtel is India's largest integrated communications solutions provider and the second largest mobile operator in Africa. Airtel's retail portfolio includes high-speed 4G/5G mobile broadband, Airtel Xstream Fiber that promises speeds up to 1 Gbps with convergence across linear and on-demand entertainment, streaming services spanning music and video, digital payments and financial services.
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Business Standard
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Airtel rolls out Business Name Display to prevent spam call confusion
Building on its spam filter service, Bharti Airtel on Monday announced a Business Name Display (BND) feature that will allow businesses to display their brand name on the recipient's mobile screen during outgoing calls. Launched in September last year, the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered spam filter uses a proprietary algorithm to identify and classify calls and SMSes as 'Suspected SPAM' for Airtel users. However, Airtel Business said the filter had led more people to ignore calls flagged as spam or from unknown numbers — resulting in important calls from trusted brands being tagged incorrectly. Consequently, customers were missing critical calls from banks, food delivery services, courier companies, and hospitals. The Business Name Display feature aims to solve this challenge by clearly showing the name of the company making the call. This allows businesses to stand out while helping protect customers from fraudulent callers. Additionally, businesses will gain access to call engagement analytics, such as answer rates and interaction patterns. The solution has been successfully piloted with over 250 businesses across sectors including banking, retail, food delivery, mobility, quick commerce, and logistics. These businesses used over 1.5 million phone numbers to make 12.8 million calls in the past 30 days, resulting in a significant increase in customer engagement. 'With Business Name Display, we will be helping businesses establish trust and stand out with every call, while simultaneously giving customers the confidence of knowing who is reaching out to them. It is about making communication more personal, secure, and seamless for both sides,' said Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO, Airtel Business. In December, the telecom company had announced that it flagged 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMSes within 2.5 months of the spam filter's launch. Airtel said it identified nearly 1 million spammers every day on its network, where 6 per cent of all calls and 2 per cent of all SMSes were classified as spam.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Airtel Business Launches 'Business Name Display' (BND) for Enterprises
Gurugram (India), May 5, 2025: Airtel Business today announced the launch of 'Business Name Display' (BND), an industry-first solution designed to enhance customer engagement for enterprises. The service enables businesses to display their brand name on the recipient's mobile screen during outgoing calls, thereby fostering trust and helping customers distinguish legitimate business calls from spam. Airtel solved the spam challenge for its customers with the launch of India's first spam-fighting network, supported by a nationwide awareness campaign to educate users. While these initiatives have significantly increased customer awareness, leading more people to ignore calls flagged as spam or from unknown numbers, it also resulted in unintended consequences where call from brands got tagged as spam. Consequently, customers were missing on critical calls from banks, food delivery, courier delivery, hospital for critical doctor's appointment et al. The 'Business Name Display' solves for this challenge and facilitates a relevant yet safe communication environment enabling end customers to make informed decisions on all incoming calls, which will display the name of the company the call is from. In turn, businesses can stand-out to their customers even as they protect them from fraudulent callers. Sharat Sinha, Director & CEO, Airtel Business, said, 'At Airtel, we are constantly innovating to create a communication experience that is smarter, safer and more transparent for everyone. With 'Business Name Display', we will be helping businesses establish trust and stand out with every call while simultaneously giving customers the confidence of knowing who is reaching out to them. It is about making communication more personal, secure and seamless for both sides.' The solution was successfully piloted with over 250 businesses across sectors including banking, retail, food delivery, mobility, Quick commerce, courier and logistics. These businesses used 1.5 million+ phone numbers to make 12.8 million calls in the last 30 days, leading to an impressive increase in customer engagement. By displaying a verified name at the onset of each call, businesses can: Clearly distinguishes itself from unknown calls Build trust and enhance their brand reputation Provide context that improves the customer experience as well as the call answer rates To activate the service, businesses must register and configure their details through Airtel Business's online portal here.
