India, May 20 -- Indian telecom operator Bharti Airtel is accelerating the use of solar power across its network infrastructure as it seeks to reduce dependence on diesel-powered backup systems amid rising fuel costs and persistent electricity outages in several parts of the country.

The company has solarised nearly 27,000 network points over the past two years and expanded solar access to 42,000 network sites by the end of FY26, according to comments made during its fourth-quarter earnings call. The move forms part of a broader strategy to improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and strengthen network resilience.

In its Q4 FY26 report dated 13 May 2026, Airtel said it was intensifying efforts to cut diesel consumption in colla...