Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced its expansion of its 5G network, announcing plans to extend services to 90 additional cities by May 2026. This strategic move will significantly scale Vi’s 5G network coverage from 43 cities across 17 priority telecom circles to a nationwide presence spanning 133 cities.
Strategic 5G Expansion Across Key Indian Markets
Vi’s latest 5G network rollout phase focuses on 15 critical telecom circles, including major regions such as Mumbai, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh (East and West), Kolkata, and West Bengal. The telecom operator is prioritising high-demand zones such as industrial corridors, urban clusters, and data-intensive markets.
Key cities identified for this expansion include Chennai, Hyderabad, Puducherry, Gandhinagar, Goa, Kolhapur, Sikar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Durgapur. These locations represent a mix of metropolitan hubs and emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reflecting Vi’s dual focus on capacity expansion and market penetration.
Region-Wise 5G Rollout Plan
Vi’s 5G expansion strategy is structured regionally to ensure targeted deployment and optimal network performance.
In North India, the rollout will strengthen coverage in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. Cities such as Karnal, Panipat, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Haridwar are set to benefit from enhanced connectivity.
Eastern India will see expanded 5G services across Kolkata, West Bengal, and Sikkim, with new coverage in cities including Asansol, Durgapur, Darjeeling, and Gangtok.
In Western India, Vi is deepening its presence in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, while also entering Goa and Union Territories like Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Cities such as Gandhidham, Bhuj, Solapur, Kolhapur, Bhiwandi, Ulhasnagar, Kota, Sikar, Udaipur, Silvassa, and Daman are part of this phase.
Southern India will witness a major network expansion across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry. Key cities include Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirupati, Hyderabad, Thiruvalla, and Nilambur.
In Central India, Vi is targeting Madhya Pradesh with planned 5G launches in Bhopal and Gwalior, further strengthening its footprint in the region.
Data-Driven Deployment and Market Alignment
Vi’s 5G rollout is guided by a data-driven strategy that aligns network deployment with 5G device penetration and user demand. By focusing on markets with a strong digital ecosystem, the company aims to maximise network utilisation and deliver high-performance connectivity.
This approach enables Vi to optimise capital expenditure while ensuring that investments translate into tangible improvements in user experience, particularly in areas with rising data consumption.
Leveraging AI and Global Partnerships for Network Excellence
To ensure superior performance and energy efficiency, Vi is deploying AI-powered Self-Optimising Networks (SON). This technology enables real-time network adjustments, improving coverage, reducing latency, and enhancing overall service quality.
Vodafone Idea is collaborating with global telecom equipment providers, including Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung, to build future-ready 5G infrastructure across India.
Vi has deployed Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) coherent optical technology on the 6500 platform to modernize its transport network. As part of this upgrade, Vi recently achieved a significant milestone, transmitting 1.6 Tb/s on a single optical channel across its meshed Data Center Interconnect network in India.
Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer at Vodafone Idea, said the expansion aligns with customer demand and network readiness. The rollout not only strengthens Vi’s presence in metro cities but also accelerates digital inclusion by extending next-generation connectivity to Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
SHAFANA FAZAL
