Bharti Airtel has officially announced the launch of 'Airtel Cartoon Network Classics', an exclusive ad-free entertainment channel developed in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery. The channel offers subscribers access to beloved animated series at a monthly subscription price of ₹59.00, available on Channel 445 across all Airtel set-top boxes.

Partnership and Channel Features

The collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery brings together iconic animated franchises from Cartoon Network, creating a dedicated destination for timeless family entertainment. The channel features classic shows including Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Looney Tunes, Scooby Doo, and Johnny Bravo, curated for audiences seeking nostalgic content.

Management Commentary

Pushpinder Singh Gujral, DTH-Business Head at Airtel, commented on the launch: "Airtel Cartoon Network Classics adds a unique entertainment layer to our portfolio and offers customers a chance to reconnect with iconic stories and characters that are loved even today. We are pleased to make this channel available to all our DTH & IPTV users."

Arjun Nohwar, Managing Director, South Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery, stated: "Cartoon Network Classics celebrates the enduring legacy of characters and stories that have entertained audiences worldwide for generations. Through our collaboration with Airtel, we are pleased to bring these iconic favourites to Indian screens in a new and accessible format."

Service Accessibility

The ad-free channel is accessible across both connected set-top boxes such as Xstream and IPTV, as well as non-connected HD and SD boxes, enabling uninterrupted viewing without additional equipment requirements. Customers can activate the service through their set-top box, missed call, or the Airtel Thanks app.

Strategic Expansion

This launch represents Bharti Airtel's continued expansion of its entertainment portfolio, adding to its array of value-added services. The exclusive offering demonstrates the company's commitment to providing distinctive, family-friendly content while deepening engagement with viewers across all age groups.

Bharti Airtel Limited has disclosed receiving a penalty notice from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) Kerala LSA for alleged violations of subscriber verification norms. The telecommunications major received the notice on December 23, 2025, at 19:03 hours IST, imposing a penalty of ₹1.16 lakh.

Regulatory Action Details

The penalty stems from DoT's periodic Customer Application Form (CAF) audit conducted for October 2025. The regulatory authority alleged that Bharti Airtel violated terms and conditions related to subscriber verification norms under the license agreement.

Background and Compliance Requirements

Under the terms of its license agreement, Bharti Airtel is required to ensure adequate verification of customers before enrolling them as subscribers and comply with instructions issued by DoT in this regard. The Department of Telecommunications conducts periodic Customer Application Form audits to confirm compliance with licensing terms and conditions.

Company's Response and Financial Impact

Bharti Airtel has stated that it does not agree with the order and plans to take appropriate action for rectification or reversal of the penalty. The company has indicated that the maximum financial impact of the order is limited to the extent of the penalty levied, which amounts to ₹1.16 lakh.

The disclosure was made in compliance with Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements Regulations, 2015, ensuring transparency with stakeholders regarding regulatory actions affecting the company.