Vodafone Idea recently completed minimum deployment obligations for 5G implementation across four telecom verticals in India.
Indian carrier Vodafone Idea expects 5G technology to account for nearly 40% of its total revenue in 24 to 30 months, according to local reports. This goal means Vodafone Idea will target its 5G coverage in the top 100 cities and towns that currently generate 40% of its revenue, a company spokesperson said.
Although 5G network launches are still pending, the company recently completed minimum deployment obligations for 5G deployment in four telecom industries in India.
Vodafone Idea, the joint venture between British carrier Vodafone and India’s Aditya Birla Group, said in an investor presentation that India’s late entry into the 5G race has led to a cost-effective He said he will have access to the latest advances in 5G technology.
The Indian telco also noted that 90% of its wireless equipment is already 5G-enabled. During the presentation, the company also announced plans to reposition its airwaves in the 900 MHz and 2.1 GHz bands as part of its plans to expand its 4G coverage in 17 priority markets across India.
In an earlier earnings call with investors, Vodafone Idea CEO Akshaya Moondra said the company would roll out 5G services within six to seven months after completing its pending funding. He said he is aiming for The telco said the funds will be used to expand 4G capacity and launch 5G technology. Rival carriers Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio Infocomm already cover large parts of India with their 5G networks.
Moondra also said that Vodafone Idea plans to shut down its 3G network in 2025. According to reports, Vodafone Idea has already suspended its 3G network in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Mumbai and Kolkata.
In the carrier’s annual report, the company said it has completed device testing for all major OEMs in its upcoming 5G mobile broadband network. Vodafone Idea has partnered with various OEMs to test the compatibility of its 5G terminals available in its 5G clusters in the cities of Delhi and Pune. “The company is committed to rolling out 5G to consumers. The rollout will accelerate once the funding is completed,” Vodafone Idea previously said.
US-based open RAN (O-RAN) provider Mavenir recently said it expects to win a commercial contract from Indian telco Vodafone Idea by the end of the year to deploy its 5G network.
According to reports, the first pilot of Vodafone Idea’s technology is being conducted in Jalandhar, Punjab to test the functionality of the equipment and network.
