- Vodafone Idea launches 5G in Mumbai, joining a competitive market.
- India has deployed 469,000 5G base stations since 2022.
What happened: India’s 5G growth continues as Vodafone idea joins market
India has reached 250 million 5G users since the technology was introduced in October 2022, according to new data from the Ministry of Communications. The country now has 469,000 active 5G base stations, highlighting the rapid expansion of next-generation connectivity.
Market leaders Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel reported a combined 290 million 5G customers by December 2024. However, the latest government figures indicate a slightly lower estimate, suggesting different counting methods. Regardless, India’s 5G sector is now well-established as Vodafone Idea (Vi) enters the space.
Last week, Vi launched its 5G services in Mumbai, offering unlimited 5G data for users on plans starting at INR299 ($3.50). The company, which has raised INR260 billion ($3 billion) over the past year, plans to invest up to INR550 billion ($6.6 billion) in network expansion over the next three years. Despite these efforts, Vi remains significantly behind Jio and Airtel, which continue to expand their networks at a much faster pace.
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Why it’s important
India’s rapid 5G adoption underscores the increasing demand for high-speed connectivity. With Jio and Airtel leading the market, Vodafone Idea’s late entry presents challenges in gaining market share. The company’s initial rollout in Mumbai marks a cautious approach, prioritising targeted investment due to financial constraints.
The government’s figures suggest continued momentum for 5G, with operators aggressively deploying infrastructure. However, Vodafone Idea’s strategy contrasts with its competitors, as it remains focused on expanding 4G while gradually deploying 5G in select cities. The next few years will determine whether Vi can effectively compete in India’s evolving telecom landscape.
