Vi Launches 5G Services in Delhi NCR: Check Coverage and Plans

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has officially commenced its 5G service rollout in the Delhi NCR region starting May 15, marking a significant milestone in the company’s nationwide phased expansion of 5G connectivity. This launch follows previous introductions of 5G services in key cities such as Mumbai, Patna, and Chandigarh. Vi aims to extend its 5G network to 17 telecom circles across India by August 2025, where it has secured the necessary spectrum licenses.

To facilitate the deployment of 5G services in Delhi NCR, Vi has collaborated with Ericsson, a global leader in telecommunications infrastructure. The network architecture chosen by Vi is based on the 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) model, which leverages the existing 4G infrastructure to provide 5G services. This approach is similar to that used by Airtel and allows for a smoother and faster transition from 4G to 5G. In contrast, Jio has opted for a standalone 5G New Radio (NR) architecture, building a completely new infrastructure that operates independently of the 4G network.

Vi’s use of the NSA model offers strategic advantages by enabling easier integration of 4G and 5G services, minimizing deployment time and costs. Additionally, the company is introducing advanced AI-based Self-Organising Network (SON) technology to optimize and enhance network performance, ensuring better connectivity and user experience.

For consumers, Vi has launched attractive 5G plans starting at Rs 299, featuring unlimited 5G data for users with compatible devices. These plans are designed to handle data-heavy applications such as video streaming, mobile gaming, video conferencing, and large file downloads. The Rs 299 plan includes unlimited calls, a daily data limit of 1GB, 100 SMS per day, and has a validity of 28 days. In Mumbai, where Vi’s 5G has been available since March, the company offers a variety of plans, including eight prepaid and four postpaid unlimited 5G packages. Similar plan structures are expected to be introduced soon in Delhi NCR.

In Mumbai, Vi reports that approximately 70% of users with 5G-capable devices are already utilizing its 5G services, and that the 5G network is currently handling around 20% of the total data traffic. While the company has not yet released specific user statistics for Delhi NCR, it anticipates similar growth trends as the network matures.

This 5G expansion is part of Vi’s ambitious Rs 55,000 crore capital expenditure plan spread over three years, aimed at upgrading network capacity and coverage in major metropolitan areas as well as emerging demand zones. The Delhi NCR rollout is among several planned expansions this year, with Bengaluru and Mysore slated as the next cities to receive 5G services from Vi.

Overall, Vi’s phased 5G rollout demonstrates a strategic and technologically adaptive approach, balancing the use of existing infrastructure with cutting-edge innovations like AI-managed networks. The company is focused on offering affordable and high-speed 5G connectivity to a growing base of users, positioning itself competitively in India’s rapidly evolving telecom market. With continued investments and infrastructure partnerships, Vi aims to significantly enhance network performance and customer experience while expanding its footprint across the country’s key telecom circles over the next few years.