Bharti Airtel has focused on multiple strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth and customer acquisition.
Airtel reported strong revenue growth in Q3 fiscal 2025, with consolidated revenues reaching ₹45,129 crore, a 19.1 percent increase, driven by strong performance in India and steady growth in Africa.
Mobile revenues grew 21.4 percent, supported by tariff revisions and a focus on premium customers, resulting in an industry-leading ARPU of ₹245. Airtel Business grew 8.7 percent, despite challenges in the global segment, while the Homes business saw an 18.7 percent revenue increase, fueled by fiber expansion and FWA adoption.
Customer growth remained robust, with 6.5 million smartphone additions, strengthening Airtel’s market share. The post-paid segment continued its leadership with net additions of 0.6 million, reaching a total of 25.3 million customers. The Homes business added 674,000 new customers in the quarter, bringing the total to 9.2 million. Digital TV services maintained momentum, reaching 15.8 million subscribers.
Airtel continued its aggressive investment strategy, rolling out 5,200 new towers and 16,300 mobile broadband stations in Q3’25, totaling 27,100 towers and 47,100 km of fiber deployed YoY. AI-powered anti-SPAM technology was introduced to enhance customer experience. The company also prepaid ₹3,626 crore in high-interest spectrum dues, improving its leverage position and financial stability.
The company has emphasized portfolio premiumization by targeting quality customers and strengthening its leadership in the post-paid segment, leading to industry-leading ARPU growth. Its sustained investments in network expansion, including rolling out thousands of new towers and fiber deployments, have enhanced customer experience and widened coverage.
Airtel has leveraged technology to enhance user engagement, launching an AI-driven anti-SPAM tool that has significantly reduced unwanted calls and messages. The Homes business has maintained growth momentum through aggressive fiber expansion and strong FWA adoption, adding millions of new customers. The integration of additional OTT platforms into its Xstream Play service has further improved content offerings, strengthening user retention.
Airtel Business has adapted to industry shifts by prioritizing high-margin digital services such as Cloud, Security, and IoT while reducing exposure to low-margin wholesale voice and data services. Partnerships with global technology leaders, such as Z-scaler, have enabled the company to expand secure digital solutions for enterprises. Investments in AI-powered data center operations through Nxtra have optimized efficiencies and reinforced Airtel’s sustainability agenda.
Financially, Airtel has strengthened its leverage position by prepaying high-interest spectrum dues and maintaining disciplined capital allocation. The consolidation of Indus Towers has contributed to its financial performance, while continued cash flow improvements have supported long-term growth objectives.
By maintaining a sharp focus on premium customer acquisition, network expansion, digital innovation, and financial prudence, Airtel is positioning itself for sustained revenue growth and long-term market leadership.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
