In a major move to scale its next-generation connectivity, Vodafone Idea (Vi) has announced the expansion of its 5G network to 23 more cities across India. The telecom operator is also enhancing its 4G network infrastructure, aiming to offer seamless coverage and faster speeds to its growing user base.
On June 30, 2025, Vi confirmed the rollout of its 5G services in several new regions as part of its strategic expansion. The newly added cities include:
Ahmedabad, Agra, Aurangabad, Kozhikode, Cochin, Dehradun, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Malappuram, Meerut, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Rajkot, Sonepat, Surat, Siliguri, Trivandrum, Vadodara, and Vizag.
This expansion builds on Vi’s earlier 5G deployments in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Patna.
Vi’s latest rollout is part of its larger plan to deploy 5G services across 17 priority telecom circles, where it holds 5G spectrum rights. The deployment is being executed in a phased manner, enabling users in the newly added cities to access 5G connectivity as the service becomes live.
To encourage adoption, Vi is offering unlimited 5G data under its introductory plans starting at ₹299, targeting users with 5G-enabled smartphones.
According to the company, over 70% of eligible users in areas where 5G is live have already adopted the service, indicating robust demand and a strong reception.
To ensure consistent performance and energy efficiency, Vi is utilizing AI-driven Self-Organising Network (SON) technology. This advanced system dynamically adjusts network parameters to optimize speed, signal quality, and power usage.
Vi has partnered with leading telecom technology providers Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung for this upgrade. These collaborations are aimed at enabling seamless integration of 4G and 5G infrastructure, thereby ensuring a smooth user experience during the transition.
Alongside its 5G rollout, Vi is investing heavily in strengthening its existing 4G network. Since April 2024, Vi has:
Deployed 4G on the 900 MHz band across 65,000 sites, significantly improving indoor connectivity and signal strength.
Added more than 56,000 new 4G sites using 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, and TDD spectrum bands.
These efforts have led to a 35% increase in 4G data capacity and a 26% improvement in average speeds, resulting in a more reliable internet experience for users across both urban and semi-urban areas.
Vi’s 4G population coverage has risen from 77% in March 2024 to 84%, effectively connecting an additional 88 million users across the country. The telecom operator’s ongoing infrastructure investments are driving digital accessibility and inclusion in underserved areas.
As part of its aggressive expansion strategy, Vi recently launched a brand campaign highlighting its achievement of installing 1 lakh new towers in just six months, reinforcing the scale and speed of its ongoing network upgrades.
Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer at Vi, emphasized the company’s dual approach to network development, stating:
“Our 5G rollout is progressing steadily in a phased manner, and we're excited to bring next-gen connectivity to more users. At the same time, we're strengthening our 4G network to ensure a seamless experience for our users.”
Singh also noted that Vi remains focused on delivering superior digital experiences with improved indoor coverage, increased capacity, and extensive population reach.
Vodafone Idea’s dual focus on expanding 5G access while enhancing 4G performance positions it to serve India’s rapidly growing demand for high-speed, reliable mobile connectivity. With phased rollouts, advanced AI-powered tech, and broader population coverage, Vi continues to evolve as a key player in the Indian telecom landscape.