Vodafone Idea is gearing up to introduce its 5G service, aiming to join the ranks of Jio and Airtel, who have already deployed their 5G networks in much of the country. After years of testing the technology, Vodafone Idea is reportedly set to officially launch its 5G network in March next year. The rollout is expected to begin in 17 key regions, including major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai.
In addition to its 5G launch, the company is also focusing on expanding its 4G coverage, targeting 90 percent of the population by June. Chief Technology Officer Jagbir Singh admitted that Vodafone Idea is slightly behind competitors in deploying 5G but assured that it will initially be available in Delhi and Mumbai before expanding to other cities.
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Financial Boost To The Rescue
Financial challenges, including significant debt, have contributed to the delay, but with a recent Rs 24,000 crore funding boost, the company is now in a stronger position to enhance both its 5G and 4G networks and improve the overall user experience.
Vodafone Idea currently operates approximately 150,000 network sites, and progress has already been made on about a third of them. The company is focusing on optimizing specific frequency bands to provide improved coverage and services for its users. These efforts are part of Vodafone Idea's strategy to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving telecom sector.
At the same time, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) highlighted Jio's continued dominance in the market. According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s latest report, Jio's 5G user base has surged, growing from 130 million to over 147 million, despite a hike in mobile phone prices in July. This growth further solidifies Jio's leadership in India's telecom industry.