Vodafone Idea Shares Surge 5% as 5G Services Launch in Mumbai

Shares of Vodafone Idea (Vi) climbed nearly 5% in early trade on March 19 after the company announced the launch of its 5G services in Mumbai. The move marks a significant step for the telecom giant in expanding its presence in India’s rapidly evolving 5G landscape.

Vodafone Idea’s 5G Rollout

In an exchange filing, Vodafone Idea stated that its 5G network aims to provide widespread coverage at competitive pricing, enhancing the mobile experience for users.

Key Highlights of Vi’s 5G Launch:

• Strategic Partnership with Nokia: Vi’s 5G rollout is powered by next-generation equipment from Nokia, ensuring a leaner and energy-efficient network that promotes sustainability.

• AI-Powered Network Optimization: Vi has implemented a Self-Organizing Network (SON) system, which uses AI to optimize performance continuously for improved connectivity.

• Introductory Offer: To attract new users, Vi is offering unlimited 5G data on plans starting at ₹299, making it one of the most affordable 5G options in the market.

• Enhanced User Experience: The 5G service promises faster streaming, seamless gaming, high-quality video calls, and quicker downloads.

Market Position and Challenges

Despite this launch, Vi continues to lag behind competitors such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, both of which have already completed their nationwide 5G deployment. Vi has struggled with financial challenges, and its delayed 5G rollout has placed it behind rivals in terms of market expansion.

However, the latest 5G launch in Mumbai signals Vi’s intent to compete aggressively, and investors have responded positively, leading to a 5% surge in stock prices. The company is expected to expand its 5G services to more cities in the coming months, further strengthening its position in India’s telecom sector.