Vodafone Idea (Vi) today announced the next phase of its 5G network expansion, initiating deployment in 23 new cities. This rollout encompasses key urban centers including Ahmedabad, Agra, Aurangabad, Kozhikode, Cochin, Dehradun, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Malappuram, Meerut, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Rajkot, Sonepat, Surat, Siliguri, Trivandrum, Vadodara, and Vizag. The expansion will be executed incrementally across Vi’s priority circles.
This latest announcement follows Vi’s earlier 5G launches in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Patna. The ongoing deployment is part of a broader strategic initiative targeting 17 priority circles where Vi has secured 5G spectrum.
Customers in the newly announced cities with 5G-compatible devices will gain access to Vi’s 5G services as they become operational. As an introductory offering, Vi is providing unlimited 5G data with plans priced from Rs. 299.
Vi reports a positive reception to its 5G services, with over 70% of eligible users in live 5G areas having engaged with the new network. This indicates an observable adoption rate among early users.
To optimize network performance and energy efficiency, Vi is implementing AI-powered Self-Organising Networks (SON). The company has established partnerships with global technology providers Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung.
These collaborations aim to facilitate the integration of Vi’s 4G and 5G infrastructure, aligning with the operator’s stated focus on sustainability.
In parallel with its 5G rollout, Vi said that has been undertaking significant network enhancements to improve customer experience. This commitment was highlighted in its recent “1 lakh new towers in six months” brand campaign, emphasizing the scope of its ongoing network upgrades.
Commenting on this, Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vi, said:
Our 5G rollout is progressing steadily in a phased manner, and we’re excited to bring next-gen connectivity to more users. At the same time, we’re strengthening our 4G network to ensure a seamless experience for our users. With enhanced indoor coverage, increased capacity, and 84% population coverage with its 4G network, we remain focused on delivering superior digital experiences to Vi users.