Analysts at IIFL, though, estimate that Airtel's total 5G outlay (including spectrum spends) will be only 50% of Jio's stated ₹2 lakh-crore 5G capex if the Sunil Mittal-led telco does not bid for pricey 5G airwaves in the 700 MHz band in future. But they added that in the medium term, Airtel's strategy on eventual migration to a 5G standalone (SA) network and rural 5G rollout would determine its future capex trajectory.
