After months of network preparation and infrastructure upgrades, Vi (Vodafone Idea) has officially expanded its 5G services to Kolkata, marking a significant milestone for West Bengal's digital connectivity. The launch comes as part of Vi's broader 5G rollout across 17 telecom circles in India, bringing high-speed internet to the City of Joy.
Vi brings 5G connectivity to Kolkata users
The rollout addresses growing demand for faster internet speeds in Eastern India's commercial hub, where Vi has been steadily strengthening its network infrastructure throughout 2024 and early 2025.
Network Infrastructure Gets Major Boost
Vi has significantly expanded its network presence in the region, with 4,175 sites currently operational in Kolkata and 8,371 sites across the broader Bengal circle, which includes Sikkim. The company added 1,000 new sites across Kolkata and Bengal circles by March 2025, creating the foundation for reliable 5G services.
This infrastructure expansion represents Vi's commitment to providing comprehensive network coverage before launching premium services. The new sites support both existing 4G improvements and future 5G capabilities, ensuring users get consistent connectivity across the metropolitan area.
How Vi 5G Changes the Game
Vi's 5G network promises blazing-fast speeds and ultra-low latency for Kolkata users. The service includes unlimited 5G internet with select prepaid and postpaid plans, making high-speed connectivity accessible to different user segments.
Early users can expect download speeds significantly higher than 4G, with improved performance for video streaming, gaming, and business applications. Vi's 5G network utilizes advanced AI optimization through Self-Organising Networks, automatically adjusting coverage and capacity based on user demand.
Competition Heats Up in Bengal
Vi becomes the third major telecom operator to offer 5G services in Kolkata, joining Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio. This competition benefits consumers through better service quality and competitive pricing as operators fight for market share.
The company's phased rollout strategy focuses on major urban centers first, with Kolkata joining cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai in Vi's 5G coverage map. Rural areas in West Bengal are expected to receive 5G coverage in subsequent phases.
Plans and Pricing Strategy
Vi offers 5G connectivity through both prepaid and postpaid plans, with unlimited 5G data included in select packages. The operator aims to make 5G accessible across different price points, following its strategy of providing comprehensive network coverage rather than premium-only services.
Users need compatible 5G devices to access the network, with Vi providing coverage maps and device compatibility information through its official channels. The company emphasizes seamless connectivity as users move between 4G and 5G coverage areas.
What This Means for Kolkata
Vi's 5G launch strengthens Kolkata's position as a major tech hub in Eastern India. Businesses, educational institutions, and startups can now access enterprise-grade connectivity that supports advanced applications like IoT, AR/VR, and cloud computing.
For Vi subscribers in Kolkata, this launch represents a long-awaited upgrade that brings them on par with users in other major Indian cities. The company's focus on network quality over speed of rollout appears to be paying off with stable, reliable 5G services from day one.