Vi to start rolling out 5G services in India by March 2025: Report

Vi 5G roll out: Vodafone Idea (Vi) users in India will soon be able to access 5G services on their smartphones. According to a new report, the telecom giant is reportedly planning to begin the roll out of 5G services across all 17 circles in India as soon as March 2025.

However, instead of rolling out 5G network in host of cities at once, the company is going for a staggered roll out with Delhi and Mumbai being the first two cities to get Vodafone Idea's 5G services. 5G roll out in Delhi and Mumbai will be followed by roll out in major metro cities across the country.

In addition to 5G roll out, the company is also planning to strengthen its 4G network. According to a report by The Economic Times, the telecom operator plans to reach 90 percent 4G coverage in India by June 2025. At the moment, its 4G network covers around 77 percent of the population. 

The news comes shortly after the board of Vodafone Idea approved issuing 166 crore equity shares worth Rs 2,458 in June this year. The company used part of the money raised in equity fundraising to pay its outstanding dues of Rs 938 crore and Rs 1,520 crore to its telecom equipment suppliers, Ericsson India and Nokia, respectively.

Now, the company is focusing on completing 4G roll out in the country and start the roll out 5G services. The company is reportedly leveraging all the spectrum available to it, including the 900MHz spectrum and the 2100MHz spectrum, for expanding 4G services in the country. "This comprehensive fund raise (equity and debt) will empower the Company to work towards executing its well-defined strategy including expansion of its 4G coverage and launch of 5G services. This will enable VIL to participate in the large and significant opportunities offered by the Indian wireless sector," Vi had said in a press note when Vi's board had approved issuance of equity shares earlier this year.