Vodafone Idea has announced it will expand its 5G services to an additional 90 cities across India by May 2026. This move will increase its 5G network presence from 43 to 133 cities, showcasing a strong effort to accelerate deployment. The company first launched its 5G services in 2025, commencing in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, and has been progressively extending its coverage since.
To boost its network capabilities, Vodafone Idea is upgrading its transport network using Ciena’s coherent optical technology, WaveLogic 6 Extreme. This network enhancement will cover significant telecom circles including Mumbai, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu, catering to high data usage areas and regions with strong 5G device adoption such as metro areas and industrial hubs.
Vodafone Idea plans to employ AI-based self-optimising network tools and collaborate with vendors like Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung. This strategic approach is aimed at improving network performance and optimising investment in markets with significant 5G demand, rather than uniform nationwide deployment.
Despite these advancements, Vodafone Idea faces financial challenges and competition from larger rivals like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The Indian government holds a 48.99% stake in the company following a 2025 intervention. Still, Vodafone Idea aims to stabilize its finances and upgrade its network with a planned INR450 billion ($4.9 billion) investment over three years.
Pradeepthi Kantipudi from GlobalData remarked, “This 5G rollout by Vodafone Idea is a strategic step towards strengthening its presence in the competitive 5G market.” Nevertheless, while Vodafone Idea’s expansion is promising, it still lags behind Reliance Jio and Airtel, who offer wider coverage across urban and rural areas.
Vodafone Idea is also in preliminary talks with Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) to share telecom infrastructure and spectrum, which could improve service quality and reduce operational costs. These discussions are part of India’s broader telecom strategy, endorsed by the Department of Telecommunications.
Furthermore, Vodafone Idea’s modernized transport network with Ciena’s WaveLogic 6 Extreme technology aims to meet rising bandwidth demands and open new opportunities with hyperscalers and enterprise clients in India. A recent milestone achieved through this technology is the realization of 1.6Tb/s on its data center interconnect network.
In summary, Vodafone Idea’s strategic expansion and technology upgrades are significant strides. However, to maintain a competitive edge, closing the gap with leading market players will require continued focus and investment.
