he telco said its continued investment in strengthening both 4G and 5G infrastructure is delivering measurable results.
| Photo Credit:
ANUSHREE FADNAVIS
Around 70 per cent of Vodafone Idea’s (Vi) users in Mumbai are currently experiencing its 5G service, with up to 20 per cent of the city’s Vi data traffic already being carried on 5G network, as per company data. The telco said its continued investment in strengthening both 4G and 5G infrastructure is delivering measurable results.
“The high share of 5G device users, coupled with rapid adoption of Vi’s unlimited 5G connectivity, reflects strong consumer demand for next-gen mobile networks and early momentum for Vi’s services in the financial capital. In Mumbai, Vi has partnered with Nokia for its 5G deployment with its latest equipment and technology,” said the company, stating that it will be launching 5G services in Delhi, Bengaluru, Patna, and Chandigarh, with more cities to follow in phases.
Vi leads in market share by value in Mumbai and began its 5G rollout in the city in early March with prepaid plans starting at ₹299.
Despite these data points by Vi, Citi Research in its report has flagged the company’s delay in 5G roll-out as a risk alongside growing competition leading to tariff hikes, no reduction in subscriber churn, lower than expected pace of 4G subscriber additions and higher-than-expected dilution as and when the government converts future dues to equity.
“We rate Vi as High Risk as the balance sheet is still over-leveraged and continued government support therefore remains critical, especially with the sharp rise in government debt repayments that will become due from October 25 once the ongoing moratorium ends and also as the possibility of AGR relief has gone following the dismissal of the company’s curative petition by the Supreme Court,” said the report.
Citi Research also noted the investment-grade credit rating upgrade from ICRA agency which should help with the company’s debt raise plans.
Published on April 15, 2025
