Vodafone Idea (Vi) is gearing up to enter the 5G race in India, with plans to roll out its 5G services starting in March 2025. This move will finally position Vi alongside major players like Jio and Airtel, which have already established a strong foothold in the 5G market. Notably, Vi won’t be the only new entrant in the 5G space—BSNL is also set to launch its 5G services around mid-2025, making the competition fiercer.
Vi 5G Rollout Details
Vi CEO Akshaya Moondra recently confirmed the timeline for the 5G rollout and outlined the company’s collaboration with leading telecom infrastructure providers, including Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung, to enhance connectivity across the country. Thousands of new sites are being established as part of this initiative, which will help boost network reach and ensure a seamless 5G experience for users.
To address indoor connectivity challenges, Vi has adopted Indoor Coverage Plus technology, which significantly improves indoor network quality. Moondra emphasized that customers will experience better service at home, in offices, and even in crowded public spaces such as malls. This move highlights Vi’s focus on providing advanced indoor coverage solutions, which is a key factor in urban markets.
BSNL’s 5G Plans
Meanwhile, BSNL is also preparing for its long-awaited 5G transition, which is expected to happen by June 2025, according to Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. BSNL’s 5G services will be built on the indigenous 4G technology developed by C-DOT in partnership with TCS, ensuring a locally-driven upgrade to next-gen connectivity. This development is expected to make India the sixth country in the world to successfully deploy indigenous 5G technology, a major milestone for the nation.
BSNL’s entry into the 5G space will not only enhance competition but also bring affordable connectivity to underserved areas, aligning with the government’s vision of “Digital India”.
TRAI’s New Guidelines for Tariff Plans
In a related development, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated telecom operators, including Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL, to introduce separate Special Tariff Vouchers (STVs) for voice calling and SMS services. These guidelines aim to address the needs of 2G users who currently face high recharge costs due to bundled data plans.
Telecom providers have been directed to ensure that plans catering specifically to feature phone users prioritize affordability by excluding unnecessary data charges. This move is expected to provide relief to millions of users still relying on 2G networks in rural and semi-urban areas.
Vi and BSNL’s Market Impact
The simultaneous launch of Vi’s 5G and BSNL’s 5G services in 2025 will intensify competition in India’s telecom sector. With Jio and Airtel already leading the market, Vi’s partnership with global telecom giants and its focus on enhanced indoor coverage could give it a competitive edge. On the other hand, BSNL’s indigenous approach and focus on affordable connectivity are likely to appeal to users in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
As India progresses toward becoming a fully connected 5G nation, the telecom sector is poised for significant changes, driven by technological advancements, policy reforms, and increased competition.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.