Vodafone Idea (Vi) has taken a significant leap in the Indian telecom market by expanding its 5G services to 23 additional cities, marking a major milestone in its 5G rollout strategy. With this move, Vi is aiming to catch up with its rivals, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, who have already made strong progress in the 5G segment across India.
The latest expansion covers all of Vi’s 17 priority telecom circles, including metro cities and emerging urban zones, offering users faster internet speeds and improved connectivity. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this 5G expansion — from city-wise availability to plan details and network technology.
Vodafone Idea (Vi) 5G Now in These 23 Indian Cities
Vi confirmed that the rollout is being done in a phased manner, meaning users in these cities will gradually start receiving access to the 5G network. The newly added cities include:
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- Ahmedabad
- Agra
- Aurangabad
- Kozhikode
- Cochin
- Dehradun
- Indore
- Jaipur
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Madurai
- Malappuram
- Meerut
- Nagpur
- Nashik
- Pune
- Rajkot
- Sonepat
- Surat
- Siliguri
- Trivandrum
- Vadodara
- Vizag (Visakhapatnam)
These cities are in addition to the previously launched locations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Patna, and Chandigarh, where Vi 5G is already operational.
Vodafone Idea (Vi) 5G Recharge Plans – Starting at Just ₹299
To attract new and existing users, Vi is offering unlimited 5G data on select prepaid and postpaid plans. Here’s a breakdown of the pricing:
Prepaid 5G Plans (with Unlimited 5G Data):
- ₹299 – 28 days validity
- ₹349 – 28 days
- ₹365 – 30 days
- ₹579 – 56 days
- ₹649 – 56 days
- ₹859 – 84 days
- ₹979 – 84 days
- ₹3,599 – 365 days
Postpaid 5G Plans:
- Starting from ₹451 and going up to ₹1,201 depending on data and benefits
Users must have a 5G-compatible smartphone to access the high-speed network.
Smarter, Greener Tech: AI-Powered 5G by Vodafone Idea (Vi)
Vodafone Idea isn’t just expanding coverage — it’s also enhancing the network quality through the use of AI-backed Self-Organising Network (SON) technology. This innovation helps in:
- Optimizing energy consumption
- Improving signal stability and coverage
- Reducing operational costs
- Seamless transition between 4G and 5G
To strengthen its infrastructure, Vi has partnered with global technology leaders Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung. These partnerships are crucial for efficient deployment and to provide users with a smooth 5G experience.
Why This Expansion Matters
Vi’s latest move comes at a time when it is facing stiff competition from Jio and Airtel, both of whom have made considerable advances in 5G adoption since its nationwide launch in October 2022. With a significant subscriber base in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, Vi’s decision to expand in non-metro areas could help it regain lost ground.
Moreover, the company is focusing on improving customer experience rather than just adding numbers. Vi aims to offer consistent speeds, better call quality, and more affordable plans with long-term benefits.
How to Activate 5G on Vodafone Idea (Vi)
If you live in one of the newly added 5G cities and want to activate Vi’s 5G service, here’s what you need to do:
- Make sure your smartphone supports 5G and has the latest software updates.
- Use a Vi 4G SIM card (no need to change your existing SIM).
- Recharge with one of the eligible 5G plans starting at ₹299.
- Go to Settings > Network Mode > Enable 5G on your phone.
Once you’re in a 5G-enabled zone, your device will automatically latch onto Vi’s 5G network.
What’s Next for Vodafone Idea (Vi)?
Vodafone Idea has announced that the 5G rollout will continue throughout 2025, with a focus on delivering improved coverage and capacity across India. The telecom operator is also working on launching 5G-powered enterprise services, IoT solutions, and AR/VR-based applications for both business and retail customers.
Final Thoughts
Vi’s strategic 5G rollout in 23 more cities signals its serious comeback in the Indian telecom race. With affordable plans, intelligent network optimization, and support from global tech leaders, Vi is aiming to provide its users with a future-ready, high-speed digital experience.
As 5G continues to revolutionize mobile connectivity, this expansion is a welcome move for consumers who have long waited for more affordable and wider access to ultra-fast internet in India.