Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced free international roaming with select postpaid, prepaid and enterprise plans. The proposition allows eligible customers to stay connected while travelling internationally across 170+ countries without paying an additional charge for the included roaming benefits.
International roaming benefits
Depending on the plan, customers can use free international roaming for up to three trips a year. The included benefits vary by plan and cover different allowances for:
- International data
- Outgoing calling minutes
- Calling and SMS
- Travel validity
Vi says the offering can provide savings of up to Rs. 9,000 per year. Eligible postpaid plans also include their applicable regular benefits, such as data, calling and entertainment.
The proposition covers individual, family and business travellers. Under eligible family plans, the primary and free secondary members can use their respective included roaming benefits.
Vi has launched a commercial featuring Shah Rukh Khan as part of its “Vi Pe Sab Hain VIP” campaign. In the commercial, Khan initially believes that Vi has made international roaming free specifically for him, before the film reveals that the benefit is available to eligible customers.
Pricing and availability
The eligible Vi Max postpaid plans are:
- Rs. 501
- Rs. 601
- Rs. 801/851
- Rs. 971
- Rs. 1,251
- Rs. 1,301/1,401
- Rs. 1,651/1,775
These plans include individual and family options, while postpaid rentals may vary across circles. For prepaid customers, the benefit is available with annual unlimited data plans. Enterprise customers can access it with corporate plans starting at Rs. 451.
Customers can check covered countries and roaming partners and activate the applicable Roam-Free plan through the Vi App or Vi website. After the complimentary validity ends, they can continue with the Always On feature or purchase an IR pack.
Speaking about the launch of the offering, Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi, said,
At Vi, ‘Vi Pe Sab Hain VIP’ is more than a campaign. It is a promise we are bringing to life through meaningful interventions to ensure inclusivity. Liberating international travel is the first among many. Traditionally, international roaming has meant buying a pack or making an additional purchase of a new local SIM or a travel eSIM and is mostly perceived as expensive.
We are taking a disruptive approach by making international roaming a built-in benefit on our key Vi plans. It is a simple but significant shift from ‘buy roaming when you travel’ to ‘your Vi number travels with you for free.’ This is exactly what ‘Vi Pe Sab Hain VIP’ stands for: identifying a real customer pain point and solving it through a disruptive, meaningful benefit for every Vi consumer, making them feel valued.”