Vodafone Idea is gearing up to roll out its 5G services across all 17 priority telecom circles by August 2023, as announced in a statement released on Wednesday. The telecommunications company is set to kick off its commercial 5G offerings in Delhi NCR starting May 15, marking an exciting advancement in its service capabilities. Since March, Vodafone Idea has already introduced 5G for consumers in major cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Patna.
Strategic Expansion in Key Markets
Vodafone Idea has been vocal about its commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and services in 17 of the 22 telecom circles across India. These include high-demand regions like Mumbai, Delhi, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and both East and West Uttar Pradesh. The company aims to bolster its network and service quality to compete more effectively in the market.
Partnership for Advanced Infrastructure
In preparation for the Delhi NCR launch, Vodafone Idea has collaborated with Ericsson to develop its 5G infrastructure. This partnership focuses on creating a more energy-efficient network with advanced hardware solutions. Additionally, the company has integrated AI-driven self-organizing network (SON) technology, optimizing overall network performance and facilitating seamless transitions between 4G and 5G using a non-standalone (NSA) architecture.
- Key Highlights:
- 5G services launching in Delhi NCR on May 15
- Collaboration with Ericsson for infrastructure
- Integration of AI technology for network optimization
Significant Investment for Future Growth
Vodafone Idea’s ambitious 5G rollout is part of a larger ₹55,000 crore capital expenditure plan over the next three years. Following the initial launch in Delhi, the company has plans to expand its services to Bengaluru and Mysuru, with additional rollouts planned in other crucial markets.
In Mumbai, which was the first city to receive commercial 5G services from Vodafone Idea, approximately 70% of eligible users are already enjoying the benefits of the new technology. Notably, nearly 20% of the city’s data traffic is being managed on the 5G network, showcasing the rapid adoption of this advanced service.
Attractive 5G Offers for Consumers
To attract users, Vodafone Idea is offering an enticing introductory 5G plan that includes unlimited data for customers with 5G-compatible devices, starting from just ₹299. This strategy aims to encourage more users to upgrade to the latest technology and experience enhanced connectivity.
Expansion of Retail Presence
In addition to its digital services, Vodafone Idea has expanded its physical retail footprint to 2,500 outlets nationwide. This includes 500 flagship stores—known as Vi Stores—that provide a more extensive range of customer touchpoints, as well as 2,000 mini-stores operated through partnerships. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to improving customer engagement and support.
As Vodafone Idea continues to enhance its services and expand its infrastructure, the upcoming 5G launches are poised to revolutionize connectivity for millions of users across India. Stay tuned for more updates on their progress!