Largest telecom service provider in India, Bharti Airtel has acquired the entire stake of Alcatel-Lucent in the joint venture between the two companies.

The joint venture firm, Network Service India manages the fixed-line and broadband networks of Airtel. Bharti said in a statement that it has adopted a new business model for managing its fixed line and DSL broadband networks on the lines of Indus Towers.

Bharti Infratel, the telecom tower arm of the company, holds a 42 per cent stake in Indus Towers. Vodafone too holds a 42 per cent stake while others hold 16 per cent stake in the tower firm. The company will work independent of Bharti and will also invite other telecom partners for equity investment. This will integrate the management of broadband and fixed line network of service providers.

Bharti Airtel said in a statement that, "The operations of the entity will be strengthened by the transition of proven tools, processes and all manpower and skilled resources from the existing joint venture."

Bharti has appointed Shishir Kumar, who is working as the CEO for up-north , as the new head of the fixed-line and broadband networks entity.