Vodafone Idea (Vi) is set to significantly accelerate its 5G rollout, targeting coverage across 133 cities by May 2026 as it looks to meet rising demand for high-speed data services.
The operator said it will expand its 5G footprint from 43 cities to 133, adding 90 new locations over the next two months. The rollout forms part of a broader densification strategy focused on high-demand markets and areas with growing 5G device penetration.
Expansion will take place across 15 telecom circles, including key regions such as Mumbai, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh (East and West), and Kolkata and West Bengal.
Vi said it will prioritise industrial corridors, high data consumption centres and emerging urban clusters, with cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Durgapur and Gandhinagar among those set to benefit from the next phase of deployment.
Regionally, the operator plans to strengthen its presence across North India, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh; East India, with expansion in West Bengal and Sikkim; western markets such as Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan; southern states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; and central India, where further rollout is planned in Madhya Pradesh.
To support performance and efficiency, Vi is deploying AI-powered self-optimising network (SON) technology and working with vendors including Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung.
The expansion reflects what the company describes as a data-driven rollout strategy, aligning network investment with device adoption and usage patterns.
Commenting on the move, Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer at Vi, said the operator is maintaining a phased approach to deployment.
“As we mark one year of Vi’s 5G journey, our focus remains on executing a phased and calibrated rollout, aligned with network readiness and evolving customer demands. This expansion to 90 more cities is in line with our strategy of prioritising 5G rollouts in key markets with higher penetration of 5G devices.
“With this phase of rollout, we are significantly augmenting our 5G network in prime cities as well as deepening our Tier 2 and Tier 3 presence. We remain committed to building a robust, future-ready network that delivers enhanced customer experience and enables citizens to thrive in an increasingly digitised environment.”
