Vi Launches 5G in Kolkata with ₹299 Unlimited Plan
Vodafone Idea (Vi) has officially launched its 5G services in Kolkata, marking a significant milestone in the company's network expansion strategy. This rollout makes Kolkata the second city in West Bengal to receive Vi's next-generation connectivity, following its earlier launch in Siliguri. The move is a part of Vi's larger plan to deploy 5G services across its 17 priority circles, where it holds a significant portion of the necessary spectrum. The company's announcement has been met with considerable enthusiasm from consumers eager to experience the benefits of faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced connectivity. The launch is also notable for its introductory offer, which provides unlimited 5G data on recharge plans starting at just ₹299.
Strategic Network Expansion and City Rollout
The launch of Vi's 5G services in Kolkata is a crucial step in the company's phased rollout strategy. The telecom operator has been steadily deploying its 5G network in key metropolitan areas and high-demand regions across India. Kolkata's inclusion in this expansion highlights its importance as a major urban and commercial hub. The rollout plan is meticulous, targeting cities where there is a growing demand for high-speed data and a high adoption rate of 5G-enabled smartphones.
Prior to the Kolkata launch, Vi had already introduced its 5G services in several other major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. This systematic approach allows Vi to fine-tune its network infrastructure and ensure a seamless transition for its users. By expanding its footprint city by city, Vi can manage network traffic, optimize performance, and address any potential technical issues in a controlled manner. The company's focus on its 17 priority circles, where it has already acquired 5G spectrum, enables a more efficient and targeted deployment.
The Unlimited 5G Data Offer
One of the most compelling aspects of the Kolkata launch is the introductory offer of unlimited 5G data. This benefit is available on all recharge plans beginning at ₹299. This aggressive pricing strategy is designed to attract new users and encourage existing customers to upgrade to 5G. For a consumer, this means they can experience the full potential of the 5G network—high-definition streaming, lag-free gaming, and faster downloads—without worrying about data limits.
The ₹299 plan, in particular, offers immense value. While the core plan provides a specific daily data limit for 4G usage, the unlimited 5G data benefit is an additional perk for users with a 5G handset in a 5G network-covered area. This tiered approach allows Vi to cater to a wide range of customers, from those who primarily use 4G to those who are ready to embrace the next generation of mobile connectivity. The unlimited 5G data is intended for personal and non-commercial use, and users can check their eligibility and activate the offer through the Vi app.
Technological Partnerships and Network Upgrades
To ensure a robust and high-performing 5G network in Kolkata, Vi has partnered with global technology leaders. One of the key collaborations is with Nokia, which is providing advanced, energy-efficient infrastructure for the network deployment. This partnership is crucial for building a strong foundation for Vi's 5G services. The deployment includes the use of AI-powered Self-Organizing Networks (SON), which automatically optimize network performance to ensure a consistent and high-quality user experience.
In addition to the 5G rollout, Vi has also undertaken a significant upgrade of its 4G network in both Kolkata and the Rest of Bengal circles. This parallel improvement is a strategic move to ensure that all users, regardless of their device's 5G compatibility, benefit from a better network. The 4G upgrades include the deployment of the 900 MHz spectrum on more than 2,400 sites in Kolkata and 5,400 sites in the Rest of Bengal circle. The company has also installed over 850 new sites across the region. These enhancements, carried out between April 2024 and June 2025, have resulted in a 16% increase in network capacity in Kolkata and a 15% increase in the Rest of Bengal, leading to improved coverage and faster data speeds for all Vi customers.
The Broader Impact on the Telecom Market
The entry of Vi into the 5G market in Kolkata intensifies the competition among major telecom operators in India. With players like Jio and Airtel already having a strong 5G presence, Vi's launch and its attractive unlimited data offer will likely prompt a new wave of competitive pricing and service packages. This competition is ultimately beneficial for the consumer, as it drives innovation and leads to more affordable and feature-rich plans.
Vodafone Idea's strategic focus on strengthening its existing 4G network alongside the 5G rollout demonstrates its commitment to providing a holistic and reliable service. The company's Chief Technology Officer, Jagbir Singh, has emphasized that Vi's later entry into the 5G space has allowed it to adopt newer, more cost-effective technologies, including Disaggregated Radio Access Network (RAN) systems and AI-based optimization. This approach is expected to reduce network deployment and maintenance expenses, allowing Vi to offer competitive pricing and sustain its network quality in the long run.
The company's phased rollout is not just about bringing new technology to users but also about ensuring a superior digital experience across the board. The significant upgrades to the 4G network and the expansion of its population coverage from 77% to 84% since March 2024 underscore this commitment. As Vi continues its expansion, it aims to deliver a seamless blend of next-generation 5G connectivity and a robust, reliable 4G service, catering to the diverse needs of its user base.
0 Comments