On Monday, Vodafone Idea (Vi) announced the expansion of its 5G services to two additional cities in India. The rollout, which was previously confined to Mumbai, now extends to Chandigarh and Patna, thanks to a collaboration with Samsung. Users in these cities will be able to access high-speed internet through select prepaid and postpaid plans, with the company utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for optimized network management. Vi has indicated plans to further extend its 5G coverage to more major cities in the coming month.
Vodafone Idea (Vi)’s 5G Expansion
Starting from April 28, Vi users in Chandigarh and Patna can take advantage of the newly launched high-speed internet services, marking the initial phase of the 5G rollout. The partnership with Samsung involves the implementation of vRan technology, which enhances network performance and flexibility while promoting an energy-efficient infrastructure.
In addition to vRan technology, Vi has deployed an AI-driven Self-Organizing Network (SON) system aimed at improving the overall performance of its 5G network.
Since the launch of its 5G services in March, Vi has observed a rapid increase in user adoption. The company reports that over 70 percent of eligible users are now utilizing its 5G services, which contribute 20 percent of the total network traffic. Furthermore, the operator has activated 5G connectivity in 11 prominent cricket stadiums across the country in conjunction with the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.
As part of its broader rollout strategy, Vi plans to introduce its 5G services in Bengaluru and Delhi next month. This expansion aligns with the increasing penetration of 5G capable handsets and the growing demand for high-speed services in India.
For prepaid customers, Vi’s 5G offerings begin at Rs. 299 per month, providing 1GB of data per day for a duration of 28 days. Postpaid users can opt for the Max 451 plan, priced at Rs. 451, which includes 50GB of data. All plans feature unlimited 5G data in areas where coverage is available, although the company indicates that this is an introductory offer, leading to speculation that it may be temporary.
