Vodafone Idea Launches 5G Trials in Delhi, Marking Major Milestone for Indian Telecom

Vodafone Idea's 5G trials are being conducted in partnership with Nokia and Ericsson across multiple locations in Delhi, including Connaught Place, Cyber City, and select residential areas in South Delhi. The trials will utilize mid-band spectrum in the 3.5 GHz range, which offers an optimal balance of coverage and capacity for urban deployments.

Initial testing will focus on achieving peak speeds of up to 1.2 Gbps in ideal conditions, with average expected speeds between 250-400 Mbps. The company has installed over 50 test sites across the capital region, with plans to expand to 200 sites within the next month as the trial progresses.

The trials come after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granted Vodafone Idea permission to conduct 5G testing using the recently allocated trial spectrum. This development is particularly significant for Vodafone Idea, which has been working to strengthen its position in the highly competitive Indian telecom market.

The company has received temporary spectrum allocations in the 3.5 GHz, 26 GHz, and 700 MHz bands for the trials. These diverse frequency ranges will allow Vodafone Idea to test various 5G deployment scenarios, from high-capacity urban hotspots to wider-coverage solutions for suburban and eventually rural areas.

Industry analysts view these trials as a critical step for Vodafone Idea, which has lagged behind competitors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel in 5G preparations. The successful completion of these trials could help the carrier secure additional investment and improve its market position ahead of commercial 5G launches expected later this year.

'These trials represent more than just technical testing-they're a statement of Vodafone Idea's commitment to remaining competitive in the Indian telecom landscape' said Prashant Singhal, telecommunications analyst at Ernst & Young India. 'The company has outlined an ambitious roadmap that includes expanding 5G trials to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai by August 2025, with commercial services potentially launching in key metros before the end of the year.'