Vi’s 5G Expansion in India
On June 30, 2025, Vodafone Idea (Vi), India’s third-largest telecom operator, rolled out its 5G services in 23 additional cities, including state capitals like Jaipur, Kolkata, and Lucknow. This phased expansion builds on Vi’s existing 5G coverage in several major cities, targeting 17 priority telecom circles. Offering unlimited 5G data on plans starting at ₹299, Vi aims to compete with leading telecom providers while enhancing connectivity for Indian users. This article details the rollout, plans, and benefits, based on recent reports.
Vi 5G Rollout: Cities and Strategy
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Cities Covered: The 23 new cities include Ahmedabad, Agra, Aurangabad, Kozhikode, Kochi, Dehradun, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Malappuram, Meerut, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Rajkot, Sonepat, Surat, Siliguri, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam, bringing Vi’s total 5G coverage to over 28 cities.
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Phased Rollout: The deployment is gradual, with users gaining access as the network activates in each city. Vi’s non-standalone 5G infrastructure ensures smooth transitions from 4G to 5G.
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Network Upgrades: Vi has expanded its 4G network to cover 84% of India’s population (up from 77% in March 2024) by adding 56,000 new sites, including 65,000 on the 900 MHz band for improved indoor coverage.
Plans and Benefits
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Prepaid Plans: Unlimited 5G data is available on prepaid plans starting at ₹299 (28-day validity), with additional options at ₹349, ₹365, ₹579, ₹649, ₹859, ₹979, and ₹3,599, catering to varied user needs.
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Postpaid Plans: A ₹871 postpaid plan supports two connections with unlimited 5G data in select cities, 120GB monthly data with 400GB rollover, unlimited calls, and 3,000 SMS.
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Access: Users with 5G-enabled smartphones in covered cities can access the network on eligible plans without additional activation.
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Benefits: Vi’s 5G offers ultra-low latency and high-speed internet, ideal for HD video streaming, gaming, and large file downloads, enhancing user experiences in urban and emerging markets.
Competitive Landscape
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Market Position: Vi’s 5G covers over 28 cities, trailing competitors with wider coverage but ahead of others yet to launch 5G.
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Investment: Vi’s ₹55,000 crore three-year plan aims to boost network capacity and coverage, targeting both urban and rural users.
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Challenges: Despite a 14% stock surge in seven days due to potential government relief on dues, Vi faces debt challenges and subscriber losses (1.3 million in May 2025).
Community and Industry Reactions
Social Media Sentiment
Users express excitement for Vi’s 5G in cities like Kolkata and Ahmedabad, praising the affordable ₹299 plans with unlimited data. However, some note Vi’s slower rollout compared to competitors, urging faster expansion.
Industry Insights
Analysts commend Vi’s affordable plans and 4G upgrades, which boost data capacity by 35% and speeds by 26%. However, Vi’s debt and slower 5G rollout remain concerns, with tariff hikes expected in July–August 2025 potentially impacting affordability.
The Bigger Picture: India’s 5G Growth
India’s mobile services market is projected to reach $39.3 billion by 2029, driven by 5G adoption and rising data usage (from 23.9GB to 51.5GB per month by 2029). Vi’s rollout supports this trend, enhancing connectivity in urban and rural areas, though tariff hikes and competition pose challenges.
FAQ: Key Questions Answered
Which cities are included in Vi’s 5G rollout?
The 23 cities include Ahmedabad, Agra, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, and others, covering 17 telecom circles.
What plans offer unlimited 5G data?
Prepaid plans at ₹299, ₹349, ₹365, ₹579, ₹649, ₹859, ₹979, and ₹3,599, and the ₹871 postpaid plan include unlimited 5G data.
How does Vi’s 5G compare to competitors?
Vi covers over 28 cities, trailing competitors with broader coverage but ahead of those without 5G. Its plans are competitive, but rollout pace is slower.
What is Vi’s network strategy?
Vi is investing ₹55,000 crore to expand 5G in 17 circles and enhance 4G coverage to 84% of India’s population.
What benefits does Vi’s 5G offer?
It provides high-speed internet, low latency, and seamless streaming, gaming, and downloads for users in covered cities.
Vi’s Push for Next-Gen Connectivity
Vodafone Idea’s 5G rollout in 23 cities on June 30, 2025, marks a significant step toward enhancing India’s connectivity. With unlimited data plans starting at ₹299 and a ₹55,000 crore investment, Vi aims to compete in the telecom market while improving 4G and 5G coverage. Despite debt challenges, its focus on affordable plans positions Vi to meet India’s growing 5G demand, potentially redefining digital experiences for millions.
