Bharti Airtel board approves merger of broadband services subsidiary

The amalgamation will be subject to approvals, including clearances from high courts, if any, the company said in a filing to the BSE.

"the Board of Directors of the company has approved the scheme of amalgamation of Airtel Broadband Services Private Limited (formerly known as Wireless Business Services Private Limited), a wholly owned subsidiary, with the company," it said.

Bharti Airtel recently acquired a 100 percent stake in Wireless Business Services (WBSPL), a company founded by US chipmaker Qualcomm. Subsequent to the acquisition, the company was renamed Airtel Broadband Services.

Airtel had bought a 49 percent stake in WBSPL in May 2012 for USD 165 million. The company increased its stake in WBSPL to 51 percent in July.

WBSPL has spectrum that can be used for high-speed 4G services in New Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Kerala. Airtel has similar spectrum in Punjab, Maharashtra, Kolkata and Karnataka.

Airtel has already launched 4G services in Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula.

Airtel shares traded at Rs. 352.35, up 1.25 percent, in the afternoon session on the BSE.