Vodafone Idea's (Vi) 5G Debut in India Expected in 6-7 Months | Comprehensive Overview
- Posted on February 1, 2024
- Technology
- By Arijit Dutta
- 316 Views
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has disclosed plans to launch 5G services in India within the next 6-7 months, intensifying competition in the telecom sector. Despite a delayed entry compared to Airtel and Jio, Vi's CEO, Akshaya Moondra, remains committed to the imminent 5G launch. Strategic measures, fundraising initiatives, and 3G shutdowns are shaping Vi's 5G roadmap.
In
a significant move within the Indian telecom sector, Vodafone
Idea (Vi) has unveiled plans to launch 5G services in the country within
the next 6-7 months. This announcement comes during the company's third-quarter
earnings call, setting the stage for heightened competition in the evolving
telecom landscape.
Vi's
delayed entry into the 5G era, compared to competitors Airtel and Jio, has
raised questions about its strategies. Despite the delay, Vi's Chief Executive,
Akshaya Moondra, expressed the company's commitment to the imminent launch of
5G services. This delay could be attributed to Vi's meticulous planning and
preparation for a robust entry into the competitive 5G market.
While specific details regarding Vi's 5G rollout remain undisclosed, Moondra mentioned ongoing discussions with technology partners to finalize the strategy. The successful completion of the company's fundraising initiatives is deemed crucial for executing its ambitious 5G plans.
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As
part of strategic measures, Vi has decided to shut down 3G services in key regions
like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kolkata, and Mumbai in Q3 2023. The
company plans to phase out 3G services in other circles, with a complete
switch-off expected by the fiscal year 2025. This move aims to streamline
resources and focus on the imminent 5G deployment.
Moondra hinted at upcoming revelations about Vi's 5G pricing compared to competitors Airtel and Reliance Jio, who have already established dominance. He emphasized the significant investments made by rivals in 5G infrastructure, suggesting that the monetization phase is approaching. Expectations rise for the announcement of 5G plan prices, indicating an end to the era of free 5G services.