Vodafone Idea (Vi), a prominent player in India’s telecommunications sector, has embarked on an ambitious journey to bring 5G connectivity to millions of users. As of June 11, 2025, Vi has officially launched its 5G services in Bengaluru, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to enhance network capabilities. This rollout is part of a broader strategy to cover all 17 priority telecom circles by August 2025, positioning Vi as a competitive force against rivals like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. This blog explores Vi’s 5G expansion, the cities currently covered, future plans, technological advancements, and the potential impact on customers.
Bengaluru: A New 5G Hub
On June 11, 2025, Vi launched its 5G services in Bengaluru, a city renowned as India’s technology capital. This launch enables Bengaluru’s residents and businesses to leverage ultra-fast internet speeds, low latency, and enhanced network capacity. These improvements are particularly significant for tech-driven applications such as high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions. The rollout in Bengaluru underscores Vi’s commitment to serving high-data-consumption urban centers, ensuring customers experience a seamless digital transformation (Business Today).
Cities with Active 5G Services
Vi’s 5G rollout began earlier in 2025, with several key cities already benefiting from the next-generation network. The following cities have active 5G services as of June 2025:
| City | Launch Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | March 2025 | Initial 5G launch, targeting high-density urban areas. |
| Delhi NCR | May 15, 2025 | Powered by Ericsson’s advanced 5G infrastructure. |
| Chandigarh | Early 2025 | Focused on urban connectivity and high data usage zones. |
| Patna | Early 2025 | Aimed at expanding 5G access in eastern India. |
| Bengaluru | June 11, 2025 | Latest addition, enhancing connectivity in India’s tech hub. |
These cities were strategically selected due to their significant population density and data consumption patterns, ensuring maximum impact for Vi’s early 5G adopters (RCR Wireless).
Future Expansion Plans
Vi has set an ambitious target to extend its 5G services across all 17 priority telecom circles by August 2025. These circles represent key markets that account for approximately 99% of Vi’s revenue and include regions such as:
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Tamil Nadu
- Karnataka
- Uttar Pradesh (East and West)
- Delhi
- Punjab
- West Bengal
- Kerala
- Haryana
- Kolkata
While a complete list of all 17 circles is not fully disclosed in available sources, Vi’s focus on these regions ensures coverage of both urban and high-growth rural areas. Additionally, Vi plans to roll out 5G in up to 75 major cities, targeting industrial hubs and areas with heavy data usage. Cities like Mysuru are next in line for 5G deployment, following the Bengaluru launch (Economic Times).
Vi’s expansion is supported by a substantial capital expenditure (capex) plan of Rs 55,000 crore over three years. This investment will facilitate the deployment of approximately 75,000 5G base stations, utilizing a mix of 3.5 GHz and 1,800 MHz spectrum bands for comprehensive coverage (Financial Express).
Technological Advancements and Partnerships
Vi’s 5G rollout leverages cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships with global leaders. In Delhi, Vi has collaborated with Ericsson to deploy advanced 5G infrastructure, including mid-band massive MIMO products and energy-efficient radio systems. This partnership ensures high-performance networks with minimal environmental impact. Vi also employs AI-powered Self-Organising Network (SON) technology to optimize network performance, enabling seamless handovers between 4G and 5G networks using a non-standalone (NSA) 5G architecture (Economic Times).
Additionally, Vi has secured Rs 30,000 crore in deals with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung to enhance its network infrastructure. Nokia’s AI-based MantaRay SON solution is being utilized to manage both 4G and 5G networks, ensuring scalability and reliability. The use of Disaggregated Radio Access Network (RAN) systems further reduces deployment and maintenance costs, allowing Vi to offer competitive services (RCR Wireless).
Pricing Strategy
Vi is adopting an aggressive pricing strategy to attract customers and compete with Jio and Airtel. Reports suggest that Vi’s entry-level 5G plans could be up to 15% cheaper than those of its competitors, potentially sparking a price war in the telecom sector. This approach aims to win back customers who have migrated to rival networks and appeal to price-sensitive consumers. Plans starting at Rs 299 are available for Bengaluru users with 5G-enabled devices, offering unlimited 5G data to encourage adoption (Economic Times).
Impact on Customers and Industry
The introduction of 5G by Vi is poised to transform the digital experience for its customers. With speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G, 5G enables a wide range of applications, including:
- Ultra-HD Video Streaming: Seamless streaming of high-quality content.
- Augmented and Virtual Reality: Enhanced experiences for gaming and education.
- Smart Cities: Support for IoT devices and urban infrastructure.
- Industrial IoT: Improved automation and efficiency in manufacturing.
For businesses, 5G offers opportunities to innovate and optimize operations, particularly in data-intensive industries. Vi’s focus on industrial hubs ensures that enterprises in these areas can leverage 5G for growth.
The broader telecom industry may experience increased competition due to Vi’s aggressive pricing and rapid expansion. While Jio and Airtel currently dominate the 5G market, Vi’s entry could drive innovation and affordability, benefiting consumers across India (India Today).
Challenges and Considerations
Despite its progress, Vi faces challenges in its 5G rollout. The company has historically struggled with financial constraints, which delayed its 5G deployment compared to competitors. However, recent equity funding of Rs 24,000 crore and planned debt financing of Rs 25,000 crore have bolstered its capabilities. Additionally, Vi must meet government-mandated 5G rollout obligations to avoid penalties, which adds pressure to its timeline (Telecom Talk).
The exact list of all 75 targeted cities and the complete set of 17 priority circles remains partially unclear, as some sources only provide partial lists. This uncertainty may affect customer expectations in less prominent regions. Nonetheless, Vi’s focus on high-impact areas ensures significant coverage in the near term.
Conclusion
Vodafone Idea’s 5G rollout represents a transformative step in India’s telecommunications landscape. With active services in Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Patna, and plans to cover all 17 priority circles by August 2025, Vi is rapidly closing the gap with its competitors. By leveraging advanced technology, strategic partnerships, and competitive pricing, Vi is poised to deliver a superior network experience to its customers. As the rollout progresses, Vi’s 5G network is expected to drive digital innovation, empower businesses, and enhance connectivity across urban and rural India.
