Vodafone Idea (Vi), the only Indian telco that is not currently involved in the 5G race, is reportedly planning to launch its 5G service "in about six to seven months." According to reports, Vodafone Idea CEO, Akshaya Moondra, told investors during a third-quarter earnings call that the company is speaking to various technology partners to finalize its 5G rollout, which includes the implementation of vRAN and Open RAN technologies. The telco is also collaborating with partners to create device ecosystems and 5G use cases for the Indian market.
5G Implementation Benefits
Implementing 5G technology enables Vodafone Idea to enhance its network capabilities and offer faster data speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity. Additionally, by leveraging virtualized and Open RAN technologies, Vodafone Idea can achieve greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in deploying and managing its 5G infrastructure. Vodafone Idea's collaboration with technology partners to develop device ecosystems and 5G use cases tailored for the Indian market unlocks new opportunities for innovation and economic growth.
The introduction of 5G opens doors to a wide range of transformative applications and services across various sectors, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, agriculture, and smart cities. By working with partners to create compelling 5G use cases, Vodafone Idea can drive adoption and uptake of 5G services among businesses and consumers, unlocking new revenue streams and market opportunities. Additionally, the proliferation of 5G technology fosters digital inclusion and socio-economic development, empowering individuals, communities, and businesses with access to advanced connectivity and digital solutions.
Moondra observed that, while Jio and Airtel may have a significant lead in 5G rollouts, "there is no monetization happening yet." He added that monetization isn't far away, and that they [Vi] “expect to have a better idea of 5G monetization” by the time they launch.
Phasing Out 3G
Moondra also stated that Vodafone Idea intends to phase out its 3G network in 2025 and reform the 2100-MHz band for its 4G network to increase capacity. The report stated that Vodafone Idea has already turned off 3G in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Phasing out 3G and reallocating spectrum to 4G is a strategic move for Vodafone Idea, offering several key benefits. It enhances network performance and capacity, optimizes spectrum usage, and reduces operational costs. By investing in 4G infrastructure, Vodafone Idea lays the groundwork for future technology transitions, including the eventual rollout of 5G. Overall, this strategic reallocation supports the company's goals of improving network efficiency, delivering better user experiences, and preparing for future advancements in mobile technology.
