Airtel’s network performance has been impacted by cross-band interference from Tejas’ equipment installed at BSNL sites in Rajasthan since December 2024. Despite repeated discussions, testing, and directives for a technical solution, there has been no improvement.
The interference is attributed to technical non-compliance in Tejas’ radio equipment and filter design.
The band-pass filter provided by Tejas does not meet the prescribed frequency limits of India’s 800 MHz band, causing harmful interference to other operators in the 900 MHz spectrum.
Other equipment manufacturers in India have for decades designed filters to strict standards that ensure operation within specific frequencies. Tejas should have immediately modified its equipment to comply with India’s frequency plan upon discovering the problem.
Airtel has collaborated with indigenous telecom equipment manufacturers in support of the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, but the violation of technical standards and lack of accountability are concerning, as Tejas has not yet deployed the required filters.
This situation has caused inconvenience to the public and impacted Airtel’s service delivery. Airtel has requested Tejas to immediately recalibrate its filters to India’s band plan and install standardized band-pass filters at all BSNL sites.
The letter also includes a comparison of spectrum plots from Rajasthan and Maharashtra, which clearly shows interference from BSNL’s 800 MHz band to Airtel’s 900 MHz band in Rajasthan, while there is no such interference in Maharashtra, where the required filters have been deployed.
The letter was written by Airtel’s Chief Regulatory Officer, Rahul Vats, and has been sent to senior officials of the Indian government and relevant telecom heads.