Vodafone Idea (Vi) is taking bold steps to transform its network infrastructure across India by leveraging domestic technology vendors. In a strategic move aimed at reducing costs and accelerating deployment, Vi is partnering with companies like Tejas Networks, HFCL, and HCLTech. The operator has begun trialling 4G and 5G wireless equipment from Tejas Networks in select circles, evaluating performance for potential commercial deployment. This initiative is a key part of Vi’s larger strategy to localize its telecom technology and achieve faster time-to-market for next-generation services.
The company has already been deploying packet and optical transmission gear and routers from Tejas to strengthen its backhaul network. HFCL is supplying IP/MPLS routers to support 5G deployments, while HCLTech provides Self-Optimising Network (SON) solutions to automate and optimise network performance. This combination of domestic expertise and advanced technology allows Vi to maintain high service quality while controlling operational expenditure, a crucial factor as it seeks to rebuild brand trust and reduce customer churn.
These partnerships align with India’s broader policy push for self-reliance in the telecom sector. By relying on local vendors, Vi can ensure quicker equipment delivery, customised solutions, and efficient deployment across both urban and rural areas. This approach also supports the development of India’s domestic telecom ecosystem, boosting confidence in homegrown technology for high-capacity networks.
Expansion Across Priority Circles
Vodafone Idea is currently deploying 4G and 5G equipment across 17 priority circles, targeting areas with high customer density and data traffic. In urban centers, the focus is on expanding 5G coverage to deliver higher speeds and better user experience. In rural and semi-urban regions, the expansion of 4G infrastructure ensures that connectivity gaps are bridged, providing reliable internet to underserved areas.
Trials conducted in select circles aim to test the readiness of Tejas Networks’ equipment. Successful trials will trigger broader deployment, which is expected to enhance coverage, improve network reliability, and increase data throughput. These deployments are also part of Vi’s strategy to enhance customer satisfaction and reduce churn by offering consistent network performance.
The rollout plan includes optimisation of both network capacity and coverage, ensuring that areas with high traffic receive additional resources while maintaining network stability across the entire circle. Real-time monitoring and AI-led network management play a critical role in maintaining service quality during peak usage periods.
State-wise 4G and 5G Rollout
Delhi: Vodafone Idea has launched 5G services in the capital, providing faster connectivity and higher data speeds. Businesses and residential users have reported improved coverage, and ongoing monitoring ensures that service reliability is maintained across the city.
Network optimisation tools allow Vi to dynamically allocate resources based on traffic patterns, improving performance in commercial and densely populated areas. The Delhi rollout sets the precedent for 5G expansion in other urban centers nationwide.
Maharashtra: In Mumbai, Pune, and other key cities, Vi is expanding its 4G network while preparing for 5G deployment in priority zones. Enhancements include upgrading base stations, adding new routers, and optimising backhaul connections to improve speed and reduce latency.
The operator is focusing on high-traffic corridors and business districts to ensure seamless connectivity for consumers and enterprises. Network enhancements also aim to support growing demand for video streaming, cloud services, and online collaboration tools.
Uttar Pradesh: Vi is upgrading 4G infrastructure across major cities and semi-urban areas, including Lucknow, Kanpur, and Varanasi. This ensures reliable internet access and supports digital services in educational, healthcare, and commercial sectors.
Urban centres are being equipped with advanced routers and backhaul links to handle increased data traffic. The focus on high-quality connectivity is designed to retain subscribers and improve overall customer experience in a competitive market.
Tamil Nadu: In select areas, Vi is trialling 5G equipment to evaluate signal quality, stability, and readiness for commercial deployment. These trials inform rollout decisions and network configuration adjustments to maximise coverage and performance.
Vi is also expanding 4G coverage in rural districts, ensuring that residents benefit from reliable connectivity. The combination of urban 5G and rural 4G enables balanced network growth and addresses regional disparities in telecom access.
Karnataka: Bengaluru, Mysuru, and coastal areas are receiving simultaneous upgrades for 4G and 5G networks. The operator is installing advanced base stations, routers, and SON solutions to optimise traffic management and improve user experience.
These upgrades focus on ensuring low latency and high-speed connectivity in areas with heavy usage while expanding coverage to previously underserved districts. By combining network expansion with optimisation tools, Vi aims to deliver consistent and high-quality service.
Support from Domestic Vendors
Working with Indian vendors like Tejas Networks, HFCL, and HCLTech allows Vodafone Idea to reduce dependency on international suppliers, shorten lead times, and lower costs. Tejas provides wireless equipment, HFCL supplies routers for the backhaul network, and HCLTech supports automation and SON capabilities for network optimisation.
These collaborations also bolster India’s domestic telecom ecosystem, encouraging innovation and adoption of homegrown technology. Local vendor partnerships enable Vi to quickly adapt solutions to specific regional requirements, ensuring that network performance meets both urban and rural demands effectively.
By focusing on domestic technology, Vi also strengthens its negotiating position and supply chain resilience, reducing the risks associated with international equipment procurement and enabling faster deployment of 4G and 5G services.
Customer Experience and Network Optimisation
Vodafone Idea’s AI-led networks enable real-time optimisation, improving performance, coverage, and reliability. The operator’s strategy involves expanding 4G in rural areas and deploying 5G in urban centres, enhancing overall customer satisfaction and driving higher average revenue per user (ARPU).
Monitoring and optimisation tools dynamically allocate network resources to high-demand areas, ensuring that traffic spikes do not impact user experience. Network automation also reduces downtime, improves maintenance efficiency, and allows proactive issue resolution.
Subscribers in priority circles report improved speeds, lower latency, and greater stability, highlighting the positive impact of strategic vendor partnerships and advanced network management solutions. Vi’s focus on coverage, capacity, and quality is critical to rebuilding brand trust and competitiveness in the market.
Funding and Infrastructure Growth
Vodafone Idea is exploring multiple funding options, including debt and strategic investments, to sustain its network expansion and capital expenditure plans. This ensures that rollout timelines remain unaffected and allows continuous investment in modern technology for 4G and 5G networks.
The company has resumed deployment after completing 16,500 sites, with plans to roll out an additional 8,000–10,000 sites over the next one to two quarters. These expansions focus on high-traffic regions and priority circles, ensuring that new subscribers receive immediate connectivity benefits.
Capital expenditure prioritises the integration of advanced equipment, SON technology, and AI-led optimisation, ensuring long-term performance improvements and sustainable network growth across India.
Future Outlook
As Vodafone Idea continues to engage with Indian technology vendors and expand its network, subscribers can expect enhanced connectivity, improved internet speeds, and more reliable service. The strategic use of domestic vendors positions Vi to achieve cost efficiency while rapidly scaling 4G and 5G coverage.
With AI-led optimisation, advanced SON solutions, and ongoing trials of 5G equipment, Vi is set to strengthen its competitive position in India’s telecom market. The focus on expanding rural 4G coverage alongside urban 5G deployment ensures that the benefits of next-generation connectivity reach a broad spectrum of users across the country.
These efforts reflect Vi’s commitment to innovation, customer experience, and operational efficiency. By leveraging local expertise and technology, Vodafone Idea is poised to create a more resilient, high-performance network capable of meeting the growing demands of India’s digital economy.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
