Vodafone Idea to Launch 5G in India Within 6 Months: Report
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Vodafone Idea plans to launch 5G in India within 6 months.
- Trials already happening in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi.
- Vi aims to improve 4G coverage by shutting down 3G services.
In a bid to join the 5G race in India, Vodafone Idea (Vi) is gearing up to introduce its 5G services within the next six to seven months, as reported by ETTelecom. This move comes amid the ongoing rollout efforts by competitors Airtel and Reliance Jio, who are already in the process of implementing 5G networks across the country.
Trials and Expansion Plans:
Vi is currently conducting trials of its 5G network in key cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi. Additionally, the telecom giant plans to enhance its 4G coverage by repurposing its existing 3G spectrum. Chief Executive Officer Akshaya Moondra highlighted the company's focus on seeking clarity regarding the monetization of 5G before the official launch.Partnerships and Technologies:
Moondra revealed that Vi is in discussions with various technology partners to finalize its 5G rollout strategy. The company aims to leverage innovative technologies such as virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) and Open RAN to bolster its network infrastructure..webp "Partnerships and Technologies")
Financial Challenges:
Despite its ambitious plans, Vi faces financial hurdles, being the only loss-making private telecom operator in India. While Moondra refrained from commenting on the ongoing funding talks, securing adequate funds is crucial for Vi to meet its outstanding dues and expand its services effectively.
Spectrum Allocation and Timeline:
Vi has secured 5G spectrum allocation in 17 circles across India, including major regions like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. The company aims to commence the rollout by the end of 2024, with initial access to Vi 5G already available to select users in Mumbai and Pune.Competitive Offerings and User Base:
In an effort to retain its user base, Vi recently introduced new annual plans bundled with subscriptions to popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ Hotstar. Despite having 228 million users in India, Vi has observed a decline in its customer base, with competitors Airtel and Jio boasting larger user numbers.Final Thoughts:
As Vi prepares to enter the 5G arena, its success will depend on effectively navigating financial challenges, implementing cutting-edge technologies, and offering competitive services to retain and attract customers in the highly competitive Indian telecom market.By embracing 5G technology, Vi aims to position itself as a formidable player in India's telecommunications landscape, promising enhanced connectivity and improved services for its users nationwide.