Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), the third-largest telecom operator in India, has delayed its 5G rollout compared to its competitors including Jio and Airtel. The other telcos launched 5G in 2022, and while Vi has also had access to the 5G spectrum this whole time, the telco refrained from investing efforts into rolling out 5G. After successfully raising funds, Vi is now looking to expand 4G and also roll out 5G in 17 of its priority circles in India.
Delaying the 5G rollout has helped, Vi said in a presentation. While "helped" or "helpful" weren't exactly the words that Vi used, it was insinuated in the statement by the telco which said, "Late adaptation of 5G leading in embracing latest advanced technology products and cost efficiency."
Read More - Vodafone Idea Makes Improvements in 4G, but Is It Enough
At this point, because Nokia and Ericsson don't expect much 5G business in India from Jio and Airtel, it is expected that they are ready to give discounts to Vi for getting access to 5G products. Basically, Vi will be able to roll out 5G at a comparatively lower cost than Jio and Airtel. The late adoption is helping the telco in getting access to the latest 5G tech and is also bringing in cost efficiency, that is what Vi said.
So now what's happening with the Vi 5G rollout? We have something coming up on that very soon. For now, let's take a look at what else the telco has said.
Read More - Vodafone Idea Announces Easy+ for Corporate Postpaid Users
90% of TDD Radios are 5G Ready: Vi
In its presentation, Vi said that 90% of the TDD radios that it has deployed are 5G ready. Further, all of its new basebands are 5G capable. The telco said, "90% of optical end points have been made ready with 10G bandwidth capability to ease 5G rollout in phased manner."
