Airtel's Rs 25,000-crore rights issue to open on May 3

The company said the capital infusion will help it continue investments in future roll-outs to build large network capacity and create content and technology partnerships.

Bharti Airtel's biggest rights issue of Rs 25,000 crore will open on May 3 and close on May 17, the company said in a regulatory filing.

"Last date for receiving request for split application form (is) May 10, 2019," the filing said.

Bharti Airtel has already fixed April 24 as the 'record date' to determine shareholders' eligibility to apply for the equity shares.

Airtel has announced rights issue to raise up to Rs 25,000 crore through issuance of fully paid-up shares at a price of Rs 220 per share, and additional Rs 7,000 crore through a foreign currency perpetual bond issue.

The company said the capital infusion will help it continue investments in future roll-outs to build large network capacity and create content and technology partnerships to ensure the strong customer experience.

Last month, Airtel received commitment from its single-largest shareholder Singtel, promoters, and GIC Singapore to participate in the Rs 32,000-crore capital raising programme.

Singapore telecom major SingTel said it will infuse Rs 3,750 crore in Bharti Airtel by subscribing to the proposed Rs 25,000-crore rights issue of the company, while GIC Pvt Ltd, on behalf of Singapore government and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, has made a commitment of Rs 5,000 crore in the proposed programme.

Photograph: Ajay Verma/Reuters