- Airtel’s new cloud platform keeps data within India while reducing costs for businesses.
- Initial partnerships include Singtel, Airtel Africa, and Globe Telecom.
What happened: Airtel launches local cloud platform
Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom provider, launched a sovereign cloud platform aimed at local businesses. Airtel Cloud will ensure that all data remains within India, offering an affordable solution. Delivered through its subsidiary, Xtelify, the service targets telecom operators looking for cloud services without managing their own infrastructure.
Airtel also rolled out AI-powered tools to enhance customer experience, reduce churn, and increase profitability. The first contracts for Airtel Cloud were signed with Singtel, Airtel Africa, and Globe Telecom. The company now competes directly with global cloud providers like Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google.
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Why it’s important
Airtel’s platform addresses the growing demand for localised cloud services in India. It offers companies a cost-effective solution while ensuring compliance with data protection laws. By keeping control within India, Airtel provides better data security for businesses.
Xtelify includes AI-driven products to optimise telecom operations, such as workflow automation and fleet management. Airtel has committed to expanding its data centre capacity with a $720 million investment over the next few years. This expansion aims to make Airtel a strong contender in India’s cloud market.
However, Airtel faces stiff competition from established US cloud providers. Additionally, India’s telecom sector still struggles with low average revenue per user (ARPU), despite recent tariff hikes.
