Vodafone Idea (Vi) is set to roll out its 5G mobile broadband services by March this year, with plans to introduce the network in 75 cities across India. The company is reportedly adopting an aggressive pricing strategy to attract customers, particularly those who have switched to Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel.
According to The Economic Times, Vi aims to target industrial hubs with high data consumption. The telecom operator is expected to offer 5G plans at entry levels that are up to 15% more affordable than those of its competitors. A Vi spokesperson confirmed the company’s commitment to providing top-tier service at competitive prices, emphasizing plans to expand 4G coverage while swiftly launching 5G in key cities.
On Thursday, Vodafone Idea’s stock saw a modest increase, trading 0.50% higher at ₹8.06. Approximately 1.25 crore shares were exchanged on the BSE at the time of reporting, a volume lower than the two-week average of 4.75 crore shares.
Vi CEO Akshaya Moondra had previously hinted that the company might position its 5G pricing below that of its larger rivals. The telco recently secured deals worth $3.6 billion (₹30,000 crore) with global network giants Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung. These investments are expected to strengthen Vi’s 4G network while accelerating its 5G rollout.
The report further states that Vi aims to deploy around 75,000 5G sites within the next three years, with equipment supplies already in progress. The telecom provider is leveraging a combination of the 3.5 GHz (C-band) and 1,800 MHz spectrum for its initial 5G rollout.
