Highlights
- Vi plans to launch 5G services in India within the next 6-7 months.
- The telecom operator is conducting 5G trials in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi.
- Vi to phase out 3G services to bolster its 4G and upcoming 5G network.
- Competitive pricing with new annual plans featuring Amazon Prime Video and Disney+Hotstar.
Vodafone Idea (Vi), India’s third-largest telecom operator, is gearing up to introduce its 5G services across India in the next 6-7 months.
Vi is aiming to enhance its network capabilities and offer faster, more efficient connectivity to its users after being beaten to the punch by Airtel and Jio.
“We are also in advanced stages of 5G trials of embracing new technologies such as vRAN & ORAN,” Moondra added.
“After funding plans materialise, we will need around 6-7 months to rollout 5G, and…by then monetisation will be clearer than it is today. Our strategy will be based on that,” Moondra added.
Vi Conducting 5G Trials
Presently, Vi is conducting 5G network trials in key cities including Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi, indicating a promising start for the upcoming service rollout.
Some users in Mumbai and Pune have already reported accessing Vi’s 5G network.
Interestingly, Vi has secured 5G spectrum allocation in 17 circles across the country, covering major regions such as Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, among others.
This widespread coverage ensures that a significant portion of the Indian population will have access to Vi’s 5G services by the end of 2024.
However, Vi faces a challenging financial landscape.
The company, led by Chief Executive Akshaya Moondra, is currently the only loss-making private telecom operator in India.
Vi’s financial strategy includes seeking clarity on the monetization of 5G services before public rollout and resolving outstanding dues with the government and vendors like Indus Towers.
Vi Phasing out 3G Services
In preparation for this 5G rollout, Vi is also planning to phase out its 3G services.
The company intends to repurpose this bandwidth to enhance its 4G coverage, which remains an essential part of its network infrastructure.
This transition underlines Vi’s commitment to providing improved connectivity and service quality.
Despite trailing behind competitors Jio and Airtel in terms of user base, Vi has maintained a competitive edge with its pricing strategies.
The telecom operator recently introduced two new annual plans bundled with Amazon Prime Video and Disney+Hotstar subscriptions at prices more attractive than similar offerings from Jio and Airtel.
As of now, Vi boasts a user base of 228 million in India.
However, this figure has been declining, with users gradually porting to competitors.
In comparison, Jio and Airtel have 449 million and 277 million users, respectively, according to the latest TRAI data.
FAQs
What is the timeline for Vi’s 5G services launch in India?
Vi is planning to roll out its 5G services in India in the next 6-7 months, aiming to offer faster and more efficient connectivity to its users, despite being behind competitors like Airtel and Jio in the 5G race.
Where are Vi’s 5G trials currently taking place?
Vi is currently conducting 5G network trials in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi.
Some users in these cities have already reported accessing the 5G network, indicating progress towards a broader rollout.
How is Vi preparing for the 5G rollout in terms of network infrastructure?
In preparation for the 5G launch, Vi plans to phase out its 3G services and use the freed-up bandwidth to enhance its 4G coverage.
This strategic shift is crucial for laying the groundwork for a successful 5G network deployment.
What challenges is Vi facing ahead of the 5G launch?
Vi is grappling with financial challenges as the only loss-making private telecom operator in India.
The company is seeking strategies for the effective monetization of 5G services and resolving outstanding dues to ensure a smooth rollout.
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