Vodafone Idea (Vi), one of India’s major telecom operators, has expanded its 5G footprint by launching next-generation mobile services in the Delhi-NCR region. With this rollout, Vi’s 5G services are now live in four cities, with more to follow in the coming weeks. The expansion comes as part of Vi’s aggressive push to reclaim its position in the evolving Indian telecom landscape.

Key Highlights

Vi 5G now live in Delhi NCR, following launches in Mumbai, Patna, and Chandigarh

Ericsson-backed infrastructure powering Delhi’s 5G network

Non-standalone 5G architecture ensures seamless transition from 4G

Introductory plans with unlimited 5G data starting at ₹299

Bengaluru and Mysore to receive 5G services next

Delhi NCR 5G Rollout Details

Vodafone Idea’s 5G rollout in Delhi NCR is part of a larger nationwide expansion strategy. The company plans to activate 5G in all 17 of its priority telecom circles by August 2025, leveraging the spectrum it acquired in the recent auctions. The Delhi rollout includes key urban and suburban areas of the National Capital Region, promising users a robust, high-speed network experience.

In partnership with Swedish telecom giant Ericsson, Vi has deployed advanced 5G infrastructure in Delhi NCR. The company is using AI-powered self-organising network (SON) technology to enhance coverage and ensure optimal network performance during peak and off-peak hours.

Architecture and Performance

Vi has adopted a 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) architecture for its rollout, which allows it to build on its existing 4G infrastructure for a faster and smoother transition. This approach helps maintain uninterrupted connectivity as users switch between 4G and 5G networks.

Early trials conducted by Vi in Delhi showcased download speeds reaching up to 170 Mbps, delivering superior experiences in streaming, mobile gaming, cloud services, and real-time applications.

Plans and Offers

To attract early adopters, Vi is offering unlimited 5G data on prepaid plans starting at ₹299. These introductory offers are available to users with 5G-enabled smartphones and support a wide range of use cases—from UHD content streaming to real-time multiplayer gaming and large file downloads.

In Mumbai, Vi already offers eight prepaid 5G unlimited plans and four postpaid packs, and similar plans are expected to be rolled out in Delhi shortly.

What’s Next?

Vi confirmed that Bengaluru and Mysore are next in line for 5G services, with groundwork already underway. Additionally, the company is preparing to roll out 5G in other key markets in phases, guided by demand, infrastructure readiness, and device penetration.

The Delhi NCR launch is part of Vi’s ₹55,000 crore capital expenditure plan over three years to strengthen its network and compete more effectively with Airtel and Jio in the 5G domain.

Vi’s Broader Strategy

Vi is taking a multi-pronged approach to regain lost ground. Beyond expanding its 5G network, the company is also investing in AI-based technologies, advanced analytics, and customer-centric innovations. The rollout aligns with the broader goal of enhancing digital inclusion and providing world-class connectivity to India’s growing data-hungry user base.

Conclusion

Vodafone Idea’s launch of 5G services in Delhi NCR is a pivotal moment in the telecom operator’s revival strategy. With enhanced infrastructure, AI-powered performance optimizations, and competitive pricing, Vi is positioning itself to serve the demands of both urban and semi-urban users. As the Indian telecom landscape intensifies in the 5G era, Vi’s continued rollout across major markets will be crucial in determining its long-term standing.