Airtel's success story began with their ambition to expand internationally, starting with their venture into Africa by acquiring a telecom operator's license in Botswana. Despite initial failures, they persevered and eventually became the first company to establish and operate a telecom network outside India. Their pursuit of international growth culminated in the attempted acquisition of MTN, Africa's largest telecom company, in a $24 billion merger, which would have made them the world's fourth largest telco with operations in 24 countries and 200 million subscribers.