5G service will be launched in March 2025, competition will increase with cheap plans

There is great news for Vodafone Idea (Vi) customers. The company is preparing to launch its 5G mobile broadband service in March 2025. According to reports, Vi’s 5G plans could be around 15% cheaper than those of Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. This step is part of the strategy to increase competition in the telecom sector. With the entry of Vi, customers will get more options and will get the benefit of 5G service at affordable rates.

Initially the service will be launched in these circles

• Vi’s 5G service can be launched in top 75 cities of the country.
• Additionally, the company will target industrial hubs in 17 priority circles where 5G data usage is highest.

Huge investment for 5G network

• Vi has received equity funding of ₹24,000 crore so far.
• Vi plans to raise debt of ₹25,000 crore after the government waived the requirement of bank guarantee.

Plan to increase dealer commission and promotional expenses

• Vi may increase dealer commission and promotional expenses in the coming months.
• It aims to attract high-value 5G prepaid users from Jio and Airtel.
• Vi spent ₹3,583 crore on dealer commission in financial year 2023-24.
  • This is a higher percentage spend than Jio (₹3,000 crore) and Airtel (₹6,000 crore).

5G infrastructure and partnerships

• Vi recently signed a $3.6 billion deal with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung.
• The company aims to establish 75,000 5G sites in the next three years.

Benefits of low cost plans

• Vi’s cheap 5G plans will give customers the benefit of high-speed internet at affordable rates.
• This will not only benefit the customers but will also increase competition in the telecom market.