Vodafone Idea (Vi), one of India’s leading telecom operators, has launched its 5G services in Delhi NCR, leveraging Ericsson’s Massive MIMO radios.
The deployment, in partnership with the Swedish telecom network giant, is a significant milestone in Vi’s 5G rollout across various regions of India.
Vodafone Idea is executing a significant investment strategy focused on a nationwide 5G rollout, with an initial phase targeting 17 priority circles by August. It has committed a capex of ₹55,000 crore over three years to support the deployment of 5G infrastructure.
Vi’s launch of 5G services in Delhi NCR, follows earlier launches in Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Patna. Vi is offering unlimited data plans starting at ₹299 for 5G-enabled devices, aiming to drive user adoption through enhanced streaming, gaming, and cloud access capabilities. The company’s strategy also includes a 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture to ensure seamless transitions between 4G and 5G.
Investment and Strategic Focus
Vi’s investment in Ericsson’s high-performing, energy-efficient Radio System products, including the mid-band Massive MIMO antenna-integrated radios AIR 3268 and AIR 3255, underlines its strategic commitment to delivering superior network performance. The deployment of these advanced radios is designed to enhance spectrum efficiency while minimizing operational costs and environmental impact, aligning with Vi’s goal of optimizing its 5G infrastructure.
In October 2024, Vi awarded Ericsson a contract to upgrade its 4G infrastructure and deploy 5G in key telecom circles, including Delhi, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
Customer-Centric Network Modernization
The modernization initiative in Delhi involved replacing legacy 2G and 4G equipment with Ericsson’s energy-efficient radios. The transition was executed without network interruptions, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted service for Vi’s customers.
Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer at Vi, emphasized the customer-centric approach in Vi’s 5G strategy, stating, “Partnering with Ericsson, we are modernizing our network with next-gen technology, and equipping our users with the speed, reliability, and capacity needed to thrive in a digitally connected world.”
Ericsson’s Market Leadership
Ericsson’s investment in R&D and its robust portfolio of 5G solutions have positioned it as a key partner in Vi’s digital transformation journey. According to Andres Vicente, Head of Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India, “This 5G launch in Delhi reinforces Ericsson’s role as a key partner in Vi’s 5G journey and reflects the strength of our ongoing collaboration towards building a robust digital infrastructure across India.”
Ericsson’s 5G technology leadership is further underscored by its global footprint, with deployments across 183 live 5G networks in 77 countries.
TelecomLead.com News Desk