Vodafone Idea has started expanding its 5G services to new cities in West Bengal and eastern India, launching the service in Malda, Haldia and Berhampore. The company said the expansion focuses on cities where data usage is rising rapidly and demand for high-speed connectivity is higher.
The company said 5G services will also be rolled out in Durgapur, Asansol, Bardhaman, Kharagpur, Habra-Ashoknagar, Darjeeling and Gangtok in the next phase. After completion of this phase, 10 cities in eastern India will be included under Vi’s new network coverage.
Vodafone Idea said its expansion plan prioritises cities considered important from industrial, commercial or tourism perspectives. Industrial hubs such as Durgapur and Asansol, along with port-connected cities such as Haldia, are part of the rollout plan.
The company said 5G rollout in tourist destinations such as Darjeeling and Gangtok is expected to provide improved internet speed and network experience. According to the company, demand for 5G continues to rise in these areas due to high data consumption and increasing smartphone users.
Vodafone Idea had earlier announced a target to launch 5G services in 90 additional cities across the country by May 2026. According to the company, 5G services are currently available in 43 cities across 17 telecom circles, and the number could increase to more than 100 cities in the coming months.
The expansion plan includes major circles such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. The company said it is working with Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung to strengthen its 5G infrastructure.
