Vodafone Idea (Vi) is preparing to roll out its 5G services in India, becoming the third major telecom operator in the country to do so, following Reliance Jio and Airtel. The initial launch will take place in metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai, with plans to expand across 17 regions, focusing on major urban areas.
To support this rollout, Vi has secured ₹24,000 crore in equity funding, including ₹18,000 crore from a follow-on public offer. This funding will primarily enhance their 4G network and facilitate the launch of 5G services. Vi's Chief Technology Officer, Jagbir Singh, expressed confidence that upgrading the network will help stabilize the company’s declining user base.
Currently, Vi's 4G coverage spans 77% of the country, serving approximately 1.03 billion people. The company aims to increase this coverage to 90% by June 2025, as it seeks to compete more effectively with Reliance Jio and Airtel. Additionally, Vi is working on improving its spectrum capacity.
Vi currently operates across multiple spectrum bands, including 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, and 2500 MHz. The company plans to increase its 900 MHz band sites from 55,000 to 150,000, with 50,000 sites already prepared and another 50,000 targeted for completion in the next nine months.