Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced an extension of its strategic partnership with Ericsson to modernize its network infrastructure and overhaul its postpaid billing services. The collaboration aims to support Vi’s ongoing network expansion across the country while transitioning its legacy IT systems to cloud-native platforms.
Network Expansion and 5G Readiness
Since 2024, Ericsson has been instrumental in deploying new 5G and 4G sites, adding layers to existing infrastructure, and installing High-Performance Small Cell (HPSC) towers across 10 telecom circles.
Moving forward, the partnership will focus on strengthening Vi’s network footprint through:
- Deployment and Integration: Adding new network sites to expand coverage.
- Capacity Augmentation: Enhancing data capacity to meet growing consumer demand.
- Coverage Enhancements: Improving indoor connectivity and supporting ongoing 4G and 5G expansion efforts.
Transition to Convergent Charging Systems
Following the migration of millions of Vi’s prepaid subscribers to Ericsson Charging in 2023, the telecom operator has now selected Ericsson to deploy its cloud-native Convergent Charging System for its postpaid segment. This agreement establishes Ericsson as a pan-India supplier of online charging solutions for both Vi’s prepaid and postpaid customer bases.
The deployment will replace Vi’s legacy offline charging and billing rating functionalities. The new system enables real-time charging across voice, VoLTE, SMS, and data services for consumer and enterprise sectors. By shifting to this flexible and scalable system, Vi aims to accelerate the launch of new services, reduce operational expenditure (OPEX), and prepare its core network for future 5G Standalone (SA) architecture.
AI Integration and Open Architecture
To ensure efficient service delivery and greater control over the charging platform, the agreement includes the deployment of several Ericsson Telco IT AI Applications. These AI-driven tools include:
- Anomaly Detection for Charging Applications
- Order Fallout Detection and Prediction
- Capacity Forecast for Telco Cloud Stack
- Intelligent Usage Analysis for Charging
Additionally, Ericsson’s convergent charging solution complies with the TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture and utilizes open APIs. This enables catalogue-driven product configuration, allowing Vi to rapidly introduce personalized product offerings and adapt to evolving digital market demands.
Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea, said:
We’re looking forward to further strengthening our longstanding partnership with Ericsson. The simplification and benefits of cloud-native Ericsson Charging will help us future-proof our architecture, enabling us to meet the demands of today’s digital environment and tomorrow’s 5G needs as Indians embrace this new era of connectivity. Vi customers will gain access to real-time account information and advanced offers, helping us deliver world-class customer experiences leveraging AI to achieve operational efficiencies and drive growth.
Andres Vicente, CEO, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India, Ericsson, said:
Our deep understanding of Vi’s business is reflected in the great service to customers we work so closely together to deliver. We are delighted to expand our collaboration by deploying Ericsson Charging to modernize Vi’s postpaid rating and charging functionalities from offline to real time rating and charging model. The scalable, AI driven solution will help Vi modernize operations and expedite the deployment of next-generation services.