Vodafone Idea (Vi), a leading telecom operator, has launched its 5G services in Mumbai, ushering in a new era of high-speed connectivity.
With this rollout, Vi aims to transform the mobile experience for customers through extensive coverage, competitive pricing, and superior network performance. Vi is the third telecom operator to launch 5G in India.
Vi’s 5G services are now available across Mumbai, leveraging the company’s strong spectrum holdings and investment in telecom infrastructure. The introduction of 5G is set to enhance capacity, reliability, and speed, ensuring that users enjoy better mobile experience.
Vodafone Idea has 10.680 million mobile phone customers in Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra state. Vodafone Idea is the second largest mobile service provider in Mumbai. Reliance Jio, with 12.813 million mobile customers, is the largest telecom network operator in Mumbai. Airtel is in the third position in Mumbai with 10.066 million mobile customers, according to the latest TRAI report.
Vi has partnered with Nokia, integrating the 5G equipment designed for efficiency and sustainability. The deployment of an AI-based Self-Organizing Network (SON) further optimizes network performance in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted service and improved customer experience.
Vi is offering an exclusive introductory plan, providing unlimited 5G data for subscribers on plans starting at Rs 299. This initiative positions Vi as a cost-effective option for high-speed internet, enhancing experiences in streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and large file downloads. Vi’s 5G plans are lower as compared to 5G offers from Airtel and Reliance Jio.
Vi’s 4G network in Mumbai has already been recognized for delivering a top-tier mobile experience, as validated by a recent OpenSignal report. With 5G, Vi is reinforcing its network to meet the increasing demand for high-bandwidth applications, ensuring customers can seamlessly engage in data-intensive activities.
Over the past year, Vi has raised approximately Rs 26,000 crore in equity, including India’s largest FPO of Rs 18,000 crore and a promoter contribution of around Rs 4,000 crore. With a planned capital expenditure of Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 55,000 crore over the next three years, Vi is accelerating its network expansion to cover 90 prcent of India’s population while introducing 5G services in key locations.
Jagbir Singh, CTO of Vodafone Idea, highlighted the company’s dedication to providing meaningful 5G services: “We have invested in building a robust 5G network by deploying the latest technology. By expanding our infrastructure, we are delivering a network that is seamless, powerful, and built for the demands of modern connectivity,” Jagbir Singh said.
Vi is set to expand its 5G services across India in a phased manner, ensuring that millions of users gain access to next-generation connectivity. With continuous improvements in infrastructure and strategic investments, Vi is poised to redefine mobile experiences, setting new benchmarks in speed, reliability, and affordability.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
