Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi) has announced that it is in advanced talks with various network vendors for the finalisation of its 5G rollout strategy and has concluded device testing of all major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) on its upcoming mobile broadband network.
In its latest annual report for the fiscal year (FY) 2023, the telco has reiterated that it remains committed to ramping up 4G coverage and launching 5G. The company said that it will continue to make investments for expanding 4G coverage and capacity, especially in its 17 priority circles and introduce 5G service once funding is in place. It added that it continues to actively engage with lenders and investors for further fundraising.
As per the report, Vi is working towards rolling out 5G services for consumers and this would see an acceleration in consummation of the fundraising. The telco has made select 5G clusters in Delhi and Pune where it had partnered with various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to test the compatibility of available 5G handsets.
In the annual report, Ravinder Takkar, non-executive chairman, Vi, said that telecom tariffs continue to remain unsustainable and need to increase significantly from current levels to improve overall industry health and generate reasonable returns for operators to promote investments, including investments towards new and emerging technologies.
