Vodafone Idea (Vi), India’s third-largest telecom operator, is gearing up to introduce commercial 5G services within the next 6-7 months.

Currently undergoing 5G network trials in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi, Vi also plans to optimize its bandwidth by phasing out 3G services, enhancing its 4G coverage.

Akshaya Moondra, Vi’s Chief Executive, emphasized the need for clarity on the monetization of 5G services before the public rollout. Vi is collaborating with partners to adopt cutting-edge technologies such as vRAN and ORAN for its 5G infrastructure, The Economic Times reported.

Moondra acknowledged Vi as the only loss-making private telecom operator in the country but refrained from commenting on the ongoing funding talks critical for addressing outstanding dues to the government and vendors like Indus Towers.

While Vi subscribers in Mumbai and Pune already experience access to 5G networks, a broader rollout for general users is anticipated by the end of 2024.

Vi has secured 5G spectrum allocation in 17 circles across India, including major regions like Delhi, Mumbai, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.

The progress in Vi’s 5G deployment is a positive sign for users, offering a glimpse into the future of enhanced connectivity and network capabilities for Vi subscribers nationwide.