Vodafone Idea widens 5G network reach across India with rollout in 23 new cities

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has made a significant move in expanding its 5G network by introducing services to 23 new cities throughout India. This rollout represents a crucial phase in the company's strategic expansion plan and enhances its presence in vital urban areas, including prominent state capitals like Jaipur, Kolkata, and Lucknow. Previously, Vi launched its fifth-generation mobile services in five major cities: Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Patna. With this latest deployment, the telecom giant is broadening its 5G coverage, aiming to improve connectivity and digital access for millions of users across the nation. The newly added cities to Vi's 5G network include Ahmedabad, Agra, Aurangabad, Kozhikode, Kochi, Dehradun, Indore, Madurai, Malappuram, Meerut, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Rajkot, Sonepat, Surat, Siliguri, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, and Visakhapatnam. "Vi has initiated the next phase of its 5G rollout, with deployment now active in 23 cities," the company announced in an official statement. Customers in these areas who possess compatible 5G devices will soon have access to the high-speed network as services become operational. To celebrate this launch, Vi is offering unlimited 5G data on both prepaid and postpaid plans starting at ₹299. Additionally, Vi has provided updates regarding its ongoing improvements to 4G infrastructure. The operator has implemented 4G services on the 900 MHz band at around 65,000 sites, enhancing coverage and indoor connectivity. Furthermore, over 56,000 sites have been established on various bands, resulting in a 35% increase in overall 4G data capacity and a 26% rise in average 4G speeds. Looking ahead, the company plans to install 100,000 new mobile towers within the next six months to further strengthen its network. Vi has successfully acquired 5G spectrum in 17 out of the 22 telecom circles in India, demonstrating its commitment to expanding next-generation connectivity amid previous operational and financial challenges.