Vodafone Idea 5G Launch: Expected in 6-7 Months | Report |

Vodafone Idea (Vi) is planning to launch its 5G services within the next 6-7 months. According to a report by the Economic Times, Vi’s chief executive Akshaya Moondra said that the company is also expected to have more financial clarity around the next-gen mobile broadband service.
Moondra also said that the cash-strapped telco is planning to fully switch off its 3G network by FY25.The company wants to utilise its airwaves in the 2100 MHz band for 4G connectivity. This move will also boost the overall network capacity offered by Vi.
To compare, other major telcos Airtel and Reliance Jio launched their 5G services nearly a year ago. These companies also want the government to shut down 2G and 3G services.
Meanwhile, Vi has already shut down its 3G services in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai and Kolkata in Q3 2023. The company is also set to phase out the service in other circles as 3G devices are reduced on its network.

What the company said about launching 5G services

During the company’s third-quarter earnings call, Moondra told investors: “We are looking to launch 5G services in about 6-to-7 months. While significant investments have already been made (by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel) in 5G, there is no monetisation happening yet, though it should be around the corner. We expect to have a better idea on 5G monetisation by the time we launch.”

Moondra didn’t share details about Vi’s 5G rollout plans, which will depend on the end of its pending fundraising.

Vi is India’s only loss-making private sector carrier. Moondra said that it is in discussions with various technology partners for the finalisation of its 5G rollout and is also working with partners to develop India-relevant 5G use cases and build device ecosystems.
“We are also in advanced stages of 5G trials of embracing new technologies such as vRAN & ORAN,” Moondra added.
Meanwhile, Vi’s prime rivals have a major head start on the 5G services. Jio has already completed its nationwide 5G rollout while Airtel is poised to do so by March 2024.
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