Summary:
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has rolled out its 5G network in Kolkata, making it the first city to receive Vi’s next generation mobile service in West Bengal. Although the official announcement is not yet, the initial user reports confirm that the 5G is live in parts of the city, Siliguri is expected to follow soon. The launch is another step in Vi’s 5G expansion strategy, while the company continues to search for funds for broad network upgradation.
Vodafone Idea has quietly switched on its 5G services in Kolkata, positioning the city as the first in West Bengal to experience Vi’s high-speed network. While the official website of Vi does not yet list Kolkata under its 5G network locations, many users report confirmed that Vi 5G is current in areas such as New Town. The expansion comes as part of Vi’s broad rollout plan, in which Siliguri soon expected to join the 5G network map. Customers with recharge schemes priced at ₹299 or more are eligible to reach Vi’s 5G services.
Vi’s 5G Technology and Expansion Strategy
Vi is currently deploying 5G NSA (non-standalone) technology like Bharti Airtel’s approach. This allows the company to take advantage of its existing 4G infrastructure, providing rapid speed and better network performance. The non-standalone rollout helps to free the capacity on 4G network, providing better experience to both 4G and 5G customers. Meanwhile, Airtel has already expanded its 5G appearance across the country and is soon preparing to shift to 5G SA (standalone).
Funding Challenges and Network Investments
Vodafone Idea’s ability to expand 5G coverage depends a lot on achieving fresh funding. The company is seeking loans from banks and financial institutions to maintain high capital expenditure levels for network upgradation. Without these funds, Vi is taking the risk of stopping its expansion to focus on the loan repayment. In the last two years, Vi has significantly reduced its bank loan, but continues to use most of its revenue to pay the liabilities, limiting its investment capacity.
