Vi is in talks with Samsung to get network equipment for the 4G/5G rollout
Vodafone Idea (Vi) is in talks with Samsung to secure network equipment for its ongoing 4G and 5G rollout, the telecom operator said on Wednesday. Vi has already deployed Samsung’s Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) solutions in circles of Chennai, Karnataka and Bihar.
“With the aim of expanding Vi’s 4G footprint and introducing 5G, Vi and Samsung have been engaged in network trials in Chennai over the past 12 to 18 months,” Vi said in a statement.
With a view to encouraging pilot response and performance on par with established vendors, Vi has expanded Samsung’s deployments across Karnataka and Bihar circles, it added.
The telco said these setups have enabled Vi to meet its 5G Minimum Rollout Obligation (MRO) in these three circles (Chennai, Karnataka and Bihar) with a non-standalone vRAN architecture.
The company is trying to leverage the benefits of cloud in the RAN domain. This unique blend of traditional RAN deployments and vRAN enables Vi to embrace new technologies and architecture with improved performance and customer experience.
“We are proud to demonstrate our leadership in next-generation radio solutions (vRAN) that can provide our customers with a better experience with better TCO (total cost of ownership). This vRAN deployment, achieved through Samsung’s innovation and joint technology strategic initiatives, is in line with our technology transformation roadmap and our enriched supplier ecosystem,” said Jagbir Singh, Chief Technical Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited.
Vi expects to be 5G ready by the end of the next fiscal year (FY26) and will add more customers by upselling premium plans.
Meanwhile, the company also expects to further increase average unit revenue (ARPU) by continuously upgrading its subscribers from 2G to 4G. 2G subscribers currently make up a significant 42 percent of Vi’s subscriber base, compared to 28 percent for Airtel, Nuvama Institutional Equities said last month after a meeting with the company’s leadership.
Earlier this month, Vi’s board decided to offer a stake of Rs 2,458 crore in the financially ailing telecom operator to long-term suppliers Nokia and Ericsson in a bid to partially settle outstanding debts.
At an issue price of Rs 14.8 per share, Nokia may receive an equity stake worth Rs 1,520 crore, while Ericsson will get a stake worth Rs 938 crore.
First print: June 26, 2024 | 7:46 PM IST