Vodafone Idea Begins 5G Trials in Mumbai, Gears Up for Holi Launch
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has initiated 5G trials in Mumbai, marking a crucial step toward its commercial rollout, scheduled around Holi on March 14. The telecom giant aims to offer next-generation connectivity, allowing select users to experience ultra-fast data speeds during the trial phase at no additional cost.
A Vi spokesperson confirmed, “Vi 5G is currently in the trial phase in Mumbai, and select customers receiving SMS notifications or spotting a 5G signal on their devices may access the service.” Users need a 5G-compatible handset and a 5G-ready SIM, with existing 4G SIMs being compatible. If they leave the 5G coverage area, the connection will automatically switch to 4G, deducting data from their regular plan.
The company is leveraging these trials to refine its network ahead of a full-scale launch. Following Mumbai, Vi plans to introduce commercial 5G services in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Patna by April 2025.
Vi has aggressively expanded its infrastructure, securing $3.6 billion in deals with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung to enhance 4G and deploy 5G. Over the past nine months, the telco increased 4G coverage by 41 million users, reaching 1.07 billion by December 2024. Additionally, Vi’s 4G data capacity surged by 24%, boosting speeds by 28%.
With a capital expenditure exceeding ₹5,300 crore in the first nine months of FY25 and a projected investment of ₹10,000 crore, Vi is strategically positioning itself in India’s competitive 5G market alongside Jio and Airtel. CEO Akshaya Moondra remains optimistic, citing 4G expansion as a catalyst for Vi’s recovery, with 5G expected to drive further subscriber growth.
Source: Moneycontrol
