Yashaswani Chauhan, Pune
Vodafone Idea (Vi) is taking a big step to strengthen its network and bring faster internet to more people across India. The company has signed a $3.6 billion deal with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung, three major global tech companies, to expand its 4G coverage and begin rolling out 5G services. This project will happen over the next three years.
For a Vodafone Idea customer, this could mean better call quality, faster internet, and fewer dropped connections. Vi plans to increase its 4G coverage from 1.03 billion to 1.2 billion people nationwide. They’re also setting the stage for 5G services, starting in key cities.
Nokia and Ericsson, both European telecom giants, have been long-time partners of Vi, helping the company build its network for years. Samsung is the new player in the game, adding fresh energy and the latest technology to this ambitious project. Vi has chosen these companies because they offer reliable technology and energy-efficient solutions. This means the equipment will consume less power, lowering operating costs and helping the environment.
“We are committed to investing in emerging network technologies to provide a best-in-class experience to our customers,” said Akshaya Moondra, CEO of Vodafone Idea. He added that Vi is on a journey to turn things around and grow with the industry. The company believes working with these global tech partners will help it achieve that goal.
While this deal brings hope, Vi is still dealing with financial struggles. The company owes over Rs 2 lakh crore to the government, with large amounts due from spectrum and tax liabilities. Vi had hoped for some relief, but the Supreme Court recently ruled against the company’s plea to re-evaluate its dues.
Despite the challenges, Vi is pushing forward. The company is working with new lenders to raise funds to fuel this major expansion and keep its promise to deliver a better experience to its 200 million customers. For many Indians, especially in rural areas, faster and more reliable mobile networks could mean better access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities. As Vi works to expand its 4G coverage and eventually bring 5G, millions could benefit from the digital revolution.
Vodafone Idea’s story is one of resilience—while the company faces financial hurdles, it is focused on bouncing back and improving its services for customers across India.