The expansion of the 5G network is accelerating in India, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) has taken a significant step by announcing the launch of its 5G service in 23 new cities. Previously, the company had initiated its 5G services in only 5 major cities, but now this technology is being expanded further.
According to Vi, the 5G network will be available to all users who use 5G smartphones and whose city is included in this expansion. This service is being implemented in a phased manner.
Which cities have received the Vi 5G benefit?
Vi's 5G network facility has been provided to 23 new cities, including a balance of small and large cities. These cities are:
Kochi, Dehradun, Indore, Madurai, Malappuram, Meerut, Nagpur, Nashik, Pune, Rajkot, Sonipat, Surat, Siliguri, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Ludhiana, Agra, Bhopal, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Guwahati.
Earlier, Vi's 5G service was limited to Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Patna. With the addition of new cities, Vi's 5G network coverage across the country has now improved significantly.
Experience high-speed internet
Vi has clarified that its 5G service will be entirely based on a high-speed and low-latency network. This means that users will experience better video streaming, online gaming, faster downloading, and smooth internet browsing.
The company has also made it clear that network access will only be possible when the user uses a 5G device with an appropriate recharge plan.
What is the minimum recharge required?
To avail of Vi's 5G service, users must recharge with a minimum of ₹299. This will be the cheapest prepaid 5G plan, which will come with basic data and calling facilities.
However, Vi has also stated that the 5G rollout in cities will not happen simultaneously, but will be implemented in a phased manner. This means that users may have to wait some time for the 5G network to be activated in their city.
Vi's 5G prepaid plans: What are the prices?
Vi has introduced several new plans in both prepaid and postpaid segments, keeping in mind different budgets and needs.
List of Vi prepaid 5G plans:
- ₹299 – Basic data and calling
- ₹349 – With more data
- ₹365 – Limited-time combo plan
- ₹579 – High data and OTT access
- ₹649, ₹859, ₹979 – Premium data and extra benefits
- ₹3,599 – Long term plan
All these plans include unlimited calling and daily data limits, which can be chosen according to the user's needs.
Options for Vi postpaid users as well
Along with prepaid, Vi has also announced attractive 5G plans for its postpaid customers, with prices starting from ₹451 and going up to ₹1,201.
Postpaid plans also include high-speed data, unlimited calling, OTT access, and roaming facilities. The company has also claimed that Vi postpaid users will be provided service on 5G without any additional charges, as long as their plan meets the minimum recharge limit.
Vi's strategy: Slow but steady
Although Jio and Airtel have already made large-scale expansions of their 5G networks across India, Vi is still moving forward at a slower pace. The company's focus is on network quality and stability.
According to experts, this step by Vi may have come late, but if the company continues to work on its network quality and user experience, it can gain a good foothold in the market.
What is the future plan?
Vi has indicated that this is just the beginning of 5G expansion. More cities will be added to the 5G network in the coming months. Also, the company has said that it is also working on enterprise 5G solutions, so that business customers can also benefit.
Vodafone Idea has taken a big step towards 5G expansion with slow but solid steps. With the launch of service in 23 new cities, users will now experience high-speed internet. If Vi's network quality and plans remain b in the future, it can create its own special identity in the market.
