Vodafone Idea 5G or Vi 5G. Although it seems exciting to hear, Vi 5G news is nothing new to those who are TelecomTalk readers or have been following the industry. From the 5G trials announced in September 2021 to the more recent January 2025 Vi CEO letter to customers informing them that the company is preparing for the phased rollout of 5G services, Vi announcements have come a long way. We may possibly experience Vi 5G in 2025, but before that, let's have a quick overview of key Vi 5G announcements, achievements, and partnerships so far in the story ahead.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea to Launch 5G in 17 Circles by March 2025: Report
Key Developments in Vi's 5G Journey
September 2021: 5G Trials
Vi announced conducting 5G trials on government-allocated 5G spectrum in the cities of Pune (Maharashtra) and Gandhinagar (Gujarat), along with its technology vendors.
In Pune, Vi deployed its 5G trial in a lab setup of an end-to-end captive network of Cloud Core, new-generation Transport, and Radio Access Network (RAN). In this trial, Vi achieved peak speeds in excess of 3.7 Gbps with very low latency on the mmWave spectrum band. These speeds were achieved with equipment in a 5G Non-Standalone network architecture (NSA) and using NR Radios. Vi also achieved peak download speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps in the 3.5 GHz band 5G trial network, with its OEM partners in Gandhinagar and Pune city.
Vi was allocated mmWave high bands, such as the 26 GHz and 3.5 GHz spectrum bands, by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for 5G network trials and use cases.
October 2021: Partnership with Larsen and Toubro
Vodafone Idea and engineering and construction company Larsen and Toubro partnered for a pilot project to test 5G-based Smart City solutions as part of ongoing 5G trials on government-allocated 5G spectrum.
The companies stated they would collaborate to test and validate 5G use cases built on IoT and Video AI technologies leveraging L&T's Smart City platform, Fusion. This initiative addresses the challenges of urbanization, safety, and security while offering smart solutions to citizens in a pilot conducted in Pune.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Plans to Increase Marketing Budget Ahead of 5G Launch: Report
October 2021: Partnership with Athonet
Vodafone Idea announced a partnership with Athonet, a private LTE and 5G solutions platform provider, to test 5G-based solutions to build Industry 4.0. The partnership included demonstrations of enterprise use cases on 5G in areas such as smart construction, smart warehouses, smart agriculture, and smart workplaces. This collaboration validated industrial use cases, demonstrating high reliability and critical monitoring and control applications in industries such as construction, railways, warehouses, and factories, Vi announced on October 21, 2021.
"This partnership with Vodafone Idea Limited shows the real use cases and benefits that 5G-SA can bring," said Gianluca Verin, Chief Executive Officer of Athonet.
November 2021: Partnership with Vizzbee Robotics and Tweek Labs
In an effort to promote innovative, home-grown 5G applications, Vi announced on November 1, 2021, that it would test 5G-based solutions for Aerial Traffic Management and Motion Capture Systems as part of its ongoing 5G trials. Vi partnered with Vizzbee Robotics Solution and Tweek Labs—winners of the 5G Hackathon organized by IMC 2020 along with the DoT.
Through its partnership with Vizzbee Robotics Solution, Vi said it will trial Unmanned Aerial Traffic Management (UTM) and the Management Server (Aerobridge) using 5G networks to validate solutions such as live-streaming video frames from UAVs, demonstrate public safety and law enforcement applications for ground personnel, and perform real-time analytics on data captured via drones.
Vi's collaboration with Tweek Labs will test a full bodied motion capture suit using 5G technology, that can be an effective solution for sports training as it helps monitor performance of athletes, the operator added.
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November 2021: Partnership with Ericsson to Showcase 5G in Healthcare
Vi and Ericsson partnered to showcase the power of 5G to revolutionize the healthcare sector in India by demonstrating how 5G connectivity can enable access to healthcare in remote parts of the country.
The 5G trial network set up by Vi in Pune deployed Ericsson Radios and a Dual Mode Core based on cloud-native technology comprising 5G SA, 5G NSA, and LTE packet core functions. Leveraging high data speed, low latency, and reliability, a doctor located in an urban center was able to carry out an ultrasound scan on a patient in a remote rural location. This trial demonstrated the potential of 5G infrastructure to improve healthcare access in remote parts of India.
As part of the ongoing demonstrations, Vi and Ericsson also demonstrated Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) applications with 5G. "The top industries that are expected to leverage 5G for their digitalization include healthcare, manufacturing, energy and utilities, automotive and public safety," Ericsson and Vi said in a joint announcement.
November 2021: Partnership with Nokia to Showcase Rural Broadband Connectivity
Vi, along with technology partner Nokia, announced on November 10, 2021, that it conducted a 5G trial utilizing the 3.5 GHz spectrum to provide rural broadband connectivity in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Using Nokia's 5G solution, Vi trialed connectivity across an area covering 17.1 km while delivering speeds exceeding 100 Mbps. Vi used Nokia's AirScale radio portfolio and Microwave E-band solutions for the trial.
Nokia added that its high-gain FWA CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) enables operators to extend ultra-high-speed and low-latency 5G connectivity to remote and rural areas.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Aims to Grow Subscribers with Network Expansion, 5G, and New Stores: Report
November 2021: Showcases 5G for a Better Tomorrow
Vi released an announcement titled "Vi Showcases 5G for a Better Tomorrow," in which the operator highlighted demonstrating a range of 5G-based technology solutions as part of its ongoing 5G trials in Pune, Maharashtra, and Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This was done in collaboration with technology partners Ericsson and Nokia, along with ecosystem players and Indian start-ups including L&T Smart World and Communication, Athonet, Vizzbee, and Tweek Labs.
"I am confident that 5G will bring a better tomorrow that will deliver significant benefits to consumers, businesses, and society, driving digital economy growth in India," said Ravinder Takkar, MD and CEO of Vodafone Idea Limited, in a November 26, 2021, announcement.
December 2021: Showcases 5G Network Slicing with Nokia
Vi announced that it used Nokia's 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) and 5G core to demonstrate secure network slicing over 5G Standalone mode in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Two network slices were created as part of the demonstration. The first slice was for general data traffic, while the second slice was established for high speed and extremely low latency. Without the second slice, virtual reality content achieved a lower resolution, resulting in an average user experience. With Nokia's solution, which includes security built in from the earliest product design phase, Vi showcased that network slicing significantly improved the user experience, allowing viewers to enjoy high-resolution VR content, the operator explained in an announcement on December 7, 2021.
February 2022: Showcases 5G VoNR with Nokia
Vi announced that it demonstrated 5G Voice over New Radio (VoNR) with its technology partner Nokia during ongoing 5G trials in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. For the trial, Nokia deployed its 5G Core and 5G Radio solutions for Vi.
"Once commercially deployed, the solution can provide superior user experience on a reliable, low latency network, as it uses the 5G network for both voice and data services," Vi announced in 2022.
March 2022: Pilot Private LTE Network with L&T
L&T and Vi joined hands to set up a pilot Private LTE network to transform L&T's Heavy Engineering plant with Industry 4.0.
L&T Smart World and Communication (SWC) and Vi announced that they would establish a Private LTE enterprise network use case in India. Both companies conducted an accelerated Proof of Concept (PoC) at L&T Heavy Engineering's 'A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex' in Hazira (Surat), as the companies announced on March 29, 2022.
The private LTE PoC, which is based on technology from Nokia, will ensure coverage, communication, and customer experience integrating vast machinery, connected devices and IoT that are critical to the related high precision manufacturing processes, at L&T Heavy Engineering manufacturing facility, the companies explained.
May 2022: Achieves 5.92 Gbps Download Speeds on 5G with Ericsson
Vi and Ericsson announced achieving a top download speed of 5.92 Gbps during ongoing 5G trials in Pune. The speed record, set by Vi, was achieved on a single test device during its 5G trials in Pune, Maharashtra, conducted using a combination of mid-band and high-band (mmWave) 5G trial spectrum. The trial utilized Ericsson's Massive MIMO radios, Ericsson's cloud-native dual-mode 5G core for Standalone architecture, and NR-DC (New Radio-Dual Connectivity) software.
"Earlier during its 5G trials and use case showcase in Pune, Vi had demonstrated speeds of over 4 Gbps," Vi stated on May 13, 2022.
July 2022: Achieves 1.2 Gbps Download Speeds on 5G with Small Cells
Vi demonstrated a 5G download speed of 1.2 Gbps at MG Road Metro Station, Bengaluru. Vi announced conducting a trial on the use of street furniture for Small Cells and Aerial Fiber deployment at Namma Metro Bengaluru, as part of a pilot by TRAI.
The trial targeted 5G coverage at road level, in the concourse area, platform, and tracks on both sides. The learnings from this project will be used for 5G deployment in other metro rail systems across the country, Vi said.
It also conducted trials using street furniture for Small Cells and Aerial Fiber deployment at Bhopal Smart City, New Delhi International Airport, and Kandla Port in Gujarat.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea 5G Live at Select Places in Pune and Delhi
July 2022: Trial 5G Small Cells in Bhopal
Vi conducted a trial on the use of street furniture for small cells and aerial fiber deployment in Bhopal Smart City as part of a pilot by TRAI. Street furniture such as traffic signal poles, street light poles, smart poles, billboards, direction boards, road signage, foot overbridges, and city bus shelters were used for testing 5G small cells.
In this pilot, Vi said it demonstrated a 5G download speed of 1 Gbps on a mobile handset at four locations: New Market, Jyoti Square, Prabhat Petrol Pump, and the Inter-State Bus Terminus.
September 2022: Partners with OnePlus for 5G Device ecosystem
Vi partnered with OnePlus to drive the 5G device ecosystem in India. The partnership announcement came ahead of IMC 2022. "OnePlus flagship devices such as the latest OnePlus 10T, OnePlus 10 Pro, and OnePlus 10R, as well as the Nord 2T, Nord CE 2 Lite, and Nord CE 2, have been tested on 5G spectrum bands acquired by Vi in Delhi," the companies said in a joint statement.
"With this association, Vi and OnePlus will work together to make 5G technology more accessible to smartphone users in the future," the official release stated on September 28, 2022.
September 2022: Partners with Vivo for 5G Device ecosystem
Vi also partnered with Vivo to drive the 5G device ecosystem in India. The partnership announcement came ahead of IMC 2022. Vivo tested its smartphones, including the Vivo V25 and T1 5G, on the 5G spectrum bands acquired by Vi in New Delhi.
"Vi and Vivo will work together to drive 5G technology adoption by smartphone users in the country," the companies stated in a joint statement, on September 30, 2022.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Says Enlarging Its Footprints With 5G Rollout
October 2022:
At IMC 2022, Vi brought the 5G experience to its users for a better tomorrow.
January 2023: Showcases diverse India-Specific 5G use cases
Vi showcases "diverse India-specific transformational 5G use cases for visitors at the launch of 5G services and the exhibition organized by the DoT and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)."
At the event in Bhubaneswar, Vi, in its January 5, 2023 release, stated that it "is showcasing smart enterprise solutions for business growth. These include: IoT-powered Smart Infra, IoT-powered Smart Mobility, Smart Construction and Worker Safety with Digital Twin, Public Safety, and Connected Healthcare with Smart Ambulance."
February 2023: Partners with Motorola for 5G Device ecosystem
Vi, on February 6, 2023, said it has been building a wide range of India-specific use cases for enterprises and consumers of tomorrow with the goal of giving its customers a better-connected future by showcasing the revolutionary and endless possibilities that 5G would offer. To further accelerate the development of the 5G ecosystem, Vi said it has partnered with Motorola to ensure seamless 5G connectivity.
With this association, Motorola has tested its latest and most popular smartphone models on 3350 to 3400 MHz spectrum bands on the Vi 5G Network in New Delhi.
Motorola, at the time of the announcement, also said that its 5G devices support all-India 5G bands, regardless of price tier. "Motorola can optimise your device to provide you with the best experience and performance because of its extensive knowledge of 5G and AI. Additionally, a seamless switching algorithm between 5G bands enables you to take advantage of uninterrupted talks with better and enhanced coverage," the official release said.
The list of Motorola 5G devices enabled with Vi 5G includes Motorola Edge 30 Ultra, Edge 30 Fusion, Moto G62 5G, Edge 30, Moto G82 5G, Motorola Edge 30 Pro, Moto G71 5G, Moto G51 5G, Edge 20, Edge 20 Pro, and Edge 20 Fusion.
March 2023: Partners with Xiaomi India for 5G Device ecosystem
Xiaomi India and Vi announced a partnership to offer 5G experiences to users.
"This partnership will enable Xiaomi and Redmi smartphone users to enjoy an enhanced data experience on Vi 5G once the services are launched by the operator. A wide range of 18 devices from the Xiaomi and Redmi portfolio have been successfully tested on Vi 5G and will support the network post-FOTA updates," the joint statement said on March 28, 2023.
"The enabled devices include Xiaomi 13 Pro, Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G, Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, Redmi Note 12 5G, Xiaomi 12 Pro, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11X Pro, Xiaomi 11T Pro 5G, Xiaomi 11 Lite NE 5G, Redmi 11 Prime 5G, Redmi K50i, Redmi Note 11T 5G, Redmi Note 11 Pro 5G, Mi 11X, Mi 10, Mi 10T, Mi 10T Pro, and Mi 10i," both companies said.
Xiaomi India and Vi have extensively tested the network in New Delhi across Xiaomi and Redmi 5G devices, the official release said, adding, "Vi has been working with technology leaders, domain experts, start-ups, and device OEMs to develop India-specific 5G use cases for consumers and enterprises."
February 2024: Advanced Phase of O-RAN Pilot deployment with Mavenir
Vi and Mavenir announced that they are in the advanced commercial phase of an Open RAN network pilot deployment for Vodafone Idea. The deployment, which commenced in September 2023, covers key launch sites and is currently carrying live traffic ahead of the planned large-scale deployment. Vi noted that this pilot marks the "first O-RAN-compliant deployment into Vodafone Idea's network, utilizing the N78 and N258 millimetre-wave (mmWave) spectrum bands and B1 supporting NSA architecture."
In this instance, Mavenir said it is "providing a complete, end-to-end cloud-native Open RAN system for the Indian operator – incorporating a Distributed Unit (DU) solution based on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and Mavenir's scalable and modular OpenBeam Radios, Centralized Unit (CU), plus full Mavenir Remote Radio Unit (RRU) and RAN software capabilities all running on Red Hat OpenShift."
June 2024: Completes MRO for 5G
"Vodafone Idea has completed its Minimum Rollout Obligation (MRO) across all Vi 5G circles on both spectrum bands," the company said in a statement.
VIL had acquired 50 MHz spectrum in 3,300 MHz band across 17 circles each for Rs 15,137.75 crore through auctions that were held in 2022. The company had to launch commercial service in at least one city in each circle by the end of the first year, 28 towns by 2025 across all telecom circle categories, and 87 towns across all categories of telecom circles by 2027.
June 2024: Collaboration and Trials with Samsung
Vi, on June 26, 2024, announced that it has been in active discussions with Samsung on new technologies such as the virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) solution for its 4G and 5G deployments.
The official release noted that Vi and Samsung have been engaged for the last 12-18 months on network trials in Chennai, India. Following the trial response, Vi has extended Samsung deployments in Karnataka and Bihar circles. "These setups have enabled Vi to fulfill its 5G Minimum Rollout Obligation (MRO) in these three circles (Chennai, Karnataka, and Bihar) with NSA vRAN architecture," Vi said.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea to Focus on 4G Expansion, 5G Rollout: CEO
September 2024: Announced Network Deal with Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung
Vi announced the conclusion of a mega USD 3.6 billion deal with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung for the supply of network equipment over a period of three years. Vi said the deal marks the first step towards the rollout of the company's three-year capex plan of USD 6.6 billion. The program is aimed at expanding 4G population coverage from 1.03 billion to 1.2 billion and launching 5G in key markets, along with capacity expansion.
Vi mentioned that it has continued with its existing long-term partners Nokia and Ericsson and also onboarded Samsung as a new partner. From hereon, Vi's CEO said the company is on its journey of VIL 2.0.
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Showcases AI-Powered Solutions at IMC2024
October 2024: Showcases 5G Technology at IMC 2024
Vi showcases how it is using advanced technologies like 5G and IoT to reshape industries and enhance everyday experiences at IMC 2024.
December 2024: Re-announces Completion of MRO for 5G
Also Read: Vodafone Idea Prepares for Phased 5G Rollout; Added 46,000 New Sites in 2024: CEO
January 2025: CEO Writes Letter to Customers
The Vi CEO writes a letter to Vi users about the phased rollout of 5G, and according to reports, Vi 5G is expected to roll out in phases starting March 2025.
