Vodafone Idea Launches 5G in Mumbai; Shares Surge 5%

Mumbai, India:  Vodafone Idea Ltd. (Vi) has officially launched its 5G services in Mumbai, offering unlimited data plans starting at ₹299. This move led to a 5% jump in Vi’s stock, hitting a high of ₹7.44 during early trading on Wednesday.

To enhance its 5G network, Vi has partnered with Nokia, ensuring improved streaming, gaming, video calls, and downloads for users. Despite this, the company remains behind competitors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, both of which have already expanded their 5G presence and partnered with satellite communication (satcom) providers like Starlink.

Vi has announced a ₹55,000 crore investment plan over the next three years to expand its 4G and 5G networks across key regions. Additionally, it is in talks with satcom players to improve connectivity in remote areas.

While the 5G launch is a major milestone, analysts remain cautious due to Vi’s financial struggles and declining subscriber base. The stock, currently at ₹7.4, has seen a 43% decline over the past year, reflecting the challenges ahead in an intensely competitive telecom market.