Summary:
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has officially launched its 5G services across multiple cities in India, marking a crucial step in its long-awaited network expansion. While the rollout pace is slower compared to rivals Jio and Airtel, it represents a strategic move toward digital competitiveness as the telco continues to tackle financial and fundraising challenges. Vi’s Unlimited 5G offer is now live in over 25 major locations across the country.
Vodafone Idea Expands 5G to 25+ Cities Across India
India’s third-largest telecom operator, Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi), has begun offering 5G connectivity in several major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The rollout, though gradual, underscores Vi’s intent to stay relevant in the high-speed connectivity race amid funding hurdles and capex constraints.
The telco’s 5G launch comes at a critical time, as investors and analysts closely watch Vi’s Q2 FY26 results for signs of financial stability and progress in network upgrades.
Vodafone Idea 5G: Where It’s Available
As of now, Vodafone Idea’s Unlimited 5G service is available in the following key locations: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Mysore, Patna, Chandigarh, Nagpur, Jaipur, Sonipat, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Nashik, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Meerut, Vizag, Madurai, Agra, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Pune, Siliguri, Indore, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Dehradun.
This rollout marks Vi’s initial push toward nationwide 5G coverage as it aims to gradually expand availability to more regions over the coming quarters.
How to Access Vodafone Idea’s Unlimited 5G
To be eligible for Vi’s Unlimited 5G offer, users must:
- Have a 5G-enabled smartphone.
- For prepaid customers, recharge with a minimum plan of ₹299 or higher.
- For postpaid users, a ₹451 plan or above is required.
In some circles, Vodafone Idea may revise introductory pricing, potentially making the 5G benefit available at slightly higher recharges in the future.
Vodafone Idea’s 5G rollout — though slower — is strategically significant. It helps the telco retain high-value customers, improve data experience, and signal progress to investors amid its capital-raising efforts. With competition intensifying from Jio and Airtel, Vi’s gradual 5G expansion could play a key role in shaping its recovery and future growth in India’s telecom market.
