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Tag: Vi

  • Vi finally gets its 5G groove on in Mumbai

    Vi finally gets its 5G groove on in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: After watching rivals race ahead, beleaguered telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has finally unleashed its 5G services in Mumbai. The struggling carrier is betting its fashionably late entry will turn heads with unlimited data packages starting at a wallet-friendly Rs 299.

    Vi’s arrival to the 5G party comes after the company raised a whopping Rs 26,000 crore in the past year, including India’s largest follow-on public offer worth Rs 18,000 crore and Rs 4,000 crore coughed up by its increasingly patient promoters.

    The cash injection has enabled Vi to dust off ambitious expansion plans, with Rs 50,000-55,000 crore earmarked for network upgrades over the next three years. The company aims to blanket roughly 90 per cent of Indians with 4G coverage while rolling out 5G in “key geographies”—corporate speak for “where the money is”.

    “Our focus is on introducing 5G meaningfully for our users,” said Vi  chief technology officer Jagbir Singh. The firm has partnered with Nokia to deploy energy-efficient equipment that’s supposedly both leaner and greener.

    Not content with merely catching up to competitors Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, Vi claims to have embraced artificial intelligence with an AI-based self-organising networks system. This whizzy bit of tech reportedly optimises network performance continuously, though sceptics might suggest the carrier focus on basics like keeping calls connected first.

    The move comes as welcome news for Vi’s dwindling subscriber base, who have watched their chosen network struggle with debt while rivals hoovered up market share. OpenSignal reportedly ranks Vi’s 4G network as Mumbai’s best, though this will come as news to many of the city’s residents.

    For videogamers, binge-watchers, and those who simply enjoy browsing the internet without mysterious disconnections, Vi promises its unlimited 5G data will enhance experiences across streaming, gaming and real-time cloud access. The company has yet to announce when other Indian cities might join Mumbai in the 5G fast lane, saying only that expansion will happen “in a phased manner.”

    Mumbai’s mobile users can check whether their devices are compatible with Vi’s newfound speed at myvi.in/5g-networK.

  • Vodafone Idea chooses HCLSoftware to automate 4G & 5G Networks

    Vodafone Idea chooses HCLSoftware to automate 4G & 5G Networks

    MUMBAI:   It’s getting future ready. Telecom service provider Vodafone Idea (Vi) has partnered with HCLSoftware, a division of HCLTech, to enhance the efficiency and performance of its 4G and 5G networks. Using HCL Augmented Network Automation (HCL ANA), a cutting-edge AI-powered platform, Vi aims to streamline network operations, optimise energy usage, and deliver an improved customer experience.

    The HCL ANA platform, a multi-vendor self-optimising network (MV-SON) system, enables seamless integration of Vi’s Ericsson and Samsung networks while ensuring future readiness with SMO (ORAN) compatibility. The platform’s open architecture allows Vi to independently manage and automate its networks, reducing reliance on OEM-specific tools and enhancing sustainability.

    The key benefits include improved network reliability and speed for Vi customers,  reduced energy consumption and operational costs and enhanced scalability for network expansion.

    Vodafone Idea CTO Jagbir Singh highlighted:  “This partnership reflects our commitment to leveraging advanced Made-in-India technologies to improve services, reduce costs, and prepare for telecom innovations.”

    HCLSoftware  SVP/GM  Neeraj Purandare  stated: “This collaboration will benefit Indian telecom users and boost local technology development and innovation.”

  • GTPL: Investing in Q3 FY 2025 for growth

    GTPL: Investing in Q3 FY 2025 for growth

    MUMBAI: It has been a challenging year for the cable TV industry, with increasing pressure on their broadband operations from wireless operators like Jio, Airtel, and Vi. Cord-cutting continues to grow, alongside the rise of cord-nevers. This trend is likely to be reflected in the financial results of listed MSOs and DTH operators.
    Some of these challenges are evident in the results of one of India’s top MSOs, GTPL Hathway, although the company is investing for growth.

    The Anirudhsinh Jadeja-led group reported a 7.64 per cent growth in revenue for the third quarter ended 31 December 2024, reaching Rs 565.16 crore, compared to Rs 521.69 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. The company spent Rs 14.93 crore on the purchase of project material (nil in Q3 ended 31 December 2023). Operating expenses rose significantly to Rs 441.70 crore (Rs 364.22 crore), while finance costs increased to Rs 6.6 crore (Rs 4.4 crore). These higher costs impacted the profit before exceptional items and tax (PBEIT), which declined to Rs 14.24 crore (Rs 25.91 crore).

    Despite a lower tax outgo of Rs 3.58 crore (Rs 13.83 crore), net profit fell to Rs 10.66 crore (Rs 19.13 crore). Total comprehensive income also decreased to Rs 10.69 crore (Rs 19.21 crore).

    The company declared in its investor presentation that its active cable TV subscribers and paying subscribers were at 9.6 million and 8.9 million in Q3 FY25 as against 9.4 million  and 8.7 million in Q3FY24 respectively. Its subscription income from CATV fell six per cent in Q3FY25 to Rs 211.2 crore (Rs 225.1 crore in Q3FY24), while its placement income rose 21 per cent to Rs 308 crore (Rs 254.2 crore in Q3FY24).

    Its content costs climbed 14 per cent  to Rs 382.4 crore in Q3FY25 from Rs 335.1 crore. GTPL Hathway’s EBITDA fell 14 per cent to Rs 65.4 crore in Q3FY25 from Rs Rs 75.7 crore in Q3FY24. 

    On the broadband front, its active subscriber base at 1,042,000  in Q3 FY25 showed an increase of 37,000 over the previous year’s corresponding quarters. Average revenue per user too rose by Rs 5 to Rs 465 in the same period. Its home passes were higher by 350,000 touching 5.95 million by 31 December 2024. 

    On a nine-month basis ending 31 December 2024, GTPL Hathway reported total income of Rs 1653.37 crore, up from Rs 1545.56 crore in the same period the previous year. However, expenditure on project material rose to Rs 21.70 crore (Rs 0 in the previous year’s comparative period). Higher operating expenses at Rs 1196.57 crore (Rs 1087.1 crore) and increased finance costs (Rs 15.61 crore vs Rs 11.55 crore) led to a lower PBEIT of Rs 53.48 crore (Rs 90.07 crore). Net profit after tax fell to Rs 39.65 crore, compared to Rs 66.29 crore.

    During the current quarter, GTPL sold its entire 61 per cent  equity stake (12,200 shares) in its subsidiary GTPL Bansidhar Telelink for Rs 0.12 million. Additionally, it entered into a share transfer agreement to acquire the remaining 49 per cent stake (1,00,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each) in its subsidiary GTPL Vision Services from existing shareholders for Rs 1131 per share, totaling Rs 113.10 million.

    The company clarified that revenue from operations includes projects executed by the group, amounting to Rs 7.6 crore for the quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2024, compared to Rs 41.64 crore for the same periods in the previous year and the year ended 31 March 2024.

  • Vi Movies & TV adds Lionsgate Play

    Vi Movies & TV adds Lionsgate Play

    MUMBAI: There was a gap in the entertainment offerings that mobile telco Vi was giving to its subscribers under its Movies & TV section: that of certain Hollywood titles.

    Now that gap has been filled with its partnership with Lionsgate Play to make its slate of films like John Wick, The Hunger Games, and Saw, alongside standout titles such as Past Lives, Tokyo Vice, Paris Has Fallen, Normal People, Operation Fortune, Plane, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, The Iron Claw, The Beekeeper, Arcadian, and more available to subscribers, apart from award shows like the Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, and BAFTA Awards,.

    The Vi movies and TV section  has a wide selection of content, ranging from Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLiv, Zee5 to Fancode for sports as well as regional content from Sun Nxt ManoramaMax, Nammaflix, Klikk and Chaupal. It also offers 300+ Live TV Channels including 30+ live news channels.

  • Vi Business unveils Easy+ to streamline corporate and personal life seamlessly

    Vi Business unveils Easy+ to streamline corporate and personal life seamlessly

    MUMBAI: Dodging your boss’s relentless calls?

    Scrambling for excuses when your phone mysteriously ‘runs out of data’?

    Vanished on a work trip because international roaming decided to abandon you mid-flight?

    Sounds familiar?

    Say goodbye to corporate chaos and hello to seamless connectivity! Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea, is rewriting the rulebook for corporate postpaid users with its groundbreaking Easy+ service. Now, whether it’s topping up your roaming pack, binging OTT shows, or avoiding awkward ‘unreachable’ moments, you can do it all—right from the Vi App, on your existing corporate plan. No drama. No hassle. Just effortless convenience.

    This game-changing feature simplifies how employees access value-added services, empowering them to personalise their mobile plans without the hassle of seeking approvals or managing separate numbers.

    Vi Business, executive vice president, enterprise mobility business & marketing, Roerich Kaushal emphasised the significance of the launch. “With Easy+, Vi Business is leading the way in transforming the corporate postpaid experience. Employees now have the flexibility to select and purchase services like international roaming, OTT subscriptions, and data packs for personal needs. In today’s connected world, they deserve an effortless solution that aligns with modern workforce expectations,” said Kaushal.

    He added, “With the upcoming holiday season, Easy+ provides a convenient way for employees to purchase international roaming packs, ensuring seamless connectivity and entertainment on the go.”

    Key Features of Easy+:

    ●    International Roaming Packs: Available across 29 countries with flexible durations – 24 hours, 10 days, or 14 days – priced between Rs 749 and Rs 4,999.

    ●    OTT Subscriptions: Users can subscribe to services like Sony LIV and Zee5, delivering their favourite entertainment directly to their devices.

    ●    Gifting Feature: Corporate users can gift OTT subscription packs to others, making it easier to share entertainment options.

    Corporate postpaid users can avail of Easy+ through the Vi App, which offers a user-friendly interface for purchasing these add-ons. The service reflects Vi Business’s commitment to blending convenience with innovation, making it a valuable tool for professionals on corporate plans.

    https://vi.app.link/viappisnt.

  • Vi launches Super Hero Prepaid Plan with unlimited midnight-to-noon data

    Vi launches Super Hero Prepaid Plan with unlimited midnight-to-noon data

    MUMBAI: Are you tired of scouring coffee shops for free Wi-Fi or anxiously counting every megabyte because your telecom provider’s data charges are sky-high? Say goodbye to the frustration and hello to freedom! Vi, one of India’s leading telecom giants, swoops in like a digital superhero with its brand-new ‘Super Hero Prepaid Plan.’ With unlimited data from midnight to noon, this offering promises to rescue late-night binge-watchers, productivity-driven women, and the endlessly scrolling Gen Z from the dreaded curse of ‘No Internet’. It’s more than just a plan—it’s a lifeline for those who refuse to hit pause on their digital lives.

    The Super Hero Plan aligns with evolving consumer data usage patterns, enabling customers to maximise their online activities during peak usage hours. Subscribers can enjoy half-day unlimited data access (12 AM to 12 Noon) and additional data benefits during the remaining hours, ensuring round-the-clock connectivity.

    Key features of the Super Hero Plan include:

    . Weekend data rollover: Users can carry forward unused weekday data to the weekend for greater flexibility.

    . Data delight: Twice a month, customers can access up to 2GB of additional data at no extra cost via the Vi app or by dialling 121249.

    VI Plan
    Vi has made the Super Hero Plan available across recharge packs offering 2GB/day or more in key regions, including Maharashtra, New Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, and Haryana. The plan starts at an affordable Rs 365.

    With the internet forming the backbone of communication, education, work, and entertainment, Vi’s new plan empowers its customers to stay connected without interruptions. 

  • TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 July 2024

    TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 July 2024

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has published its telecom subscription data report for 31 July 2024. The report revealed that Reliance Jio experienced a decline of 0.7 million users, despite gaining 1.91 million in June. In contrast, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) saw a significant increase, adding 2.9 million users in July, benefiting from a period when its private competitors raised their tariffs.

    In June, BSNL had lost 0.74 million users, but the subsequent tariff hikes implemented by private operators prompted many users to switch. The three major private players—Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi)—all raised their prices in early July, with BSNL maintaining its existing rates.

    Airtel was particularly affected, losing 1.69 million subscribers in July after previously adding 1.25 million in June. Vi also faced a setback, losing 1.41 million users, although this was an improvement compared to its June loss of 0.86 million. Notably, Vi has experienced ongoing subscriber losses for over a year, until Airtel recently surpassed it.

    The tariff hikes, which occurred around 3-4 July, varied in magnitude; Airtel’s increases were smaller than Jio’s, which ranged from 12 to 25 per cent. These adjustments notably impacted Airtel’s 2G subscriber base, while Jio chose not to alter its pricing in that segment. Meanwhile, Vi has concentrated on offering unlimited data plans with various validity periods ranging from 28 days to a year.

  • Vi releases the second TVC of its ‘Be Someone’s We’ campaign

    Vi releases the second TVC of its ‘Be Someone’s We’ campaign

    Mumbai: Vi, a leading telecom operator, recently launched the second phase of its ‘Be Someone’s We’ campaign, focusing on combating loneliness among empty nesters. During the India vs Pakistan match on Sunday, Vi released the second TVC of this campaign, which demonstrates the positive power of connectivity in combating loneliness and how a telecom network can serve as a bridge to make empty nesters feel more connected and included.

    The new TVC, titled ‘Summer Vacation’, beautifully portrays the bond between grandparents and grandchildren. The story begins with a grandmother narrating a story to her granddaughter, and that’s when her daughter says that it is time for them to leave and to continue the story sessions during the next vacation. The scene shifts wherein the daughter and grandchild leave the house and the grandmother is alone and sitting by herself feeling lonely. That’s when her phone suddenly rings, and the grandmother’s spirits are instantly uplifted by a surprise video call from her daughter and granddaughter. The joy on the grandmother’s face speaks a million words, and the film effectively captures this heartwarming emotion.

    This TVC comes exactly a week after Vi announced the second edition of its ‘Be Someone’s We’ campaign with the launch of the first TVC, right at the start of the ICC T20 World Cup. The first film titled ‘Durga Puja’ highlighted the loneliness experienced by empty nesters during festivals.

  • Vi says ‘Let’s Netflix’

    Vi says ‘Let’s Netflix’

    Mumbai: Leading telecom operator Vi, today announced its partnership with the global streaming service provider – Netflix, further strengthening its entertainment offerings for its customers. With this partnership, Vi users will be able to enjoy world-class entertainment with the best streaming experience on any device of their choice – mobile, television or tablet. Vi has currently introduced Netflix offering for its prepaid customers and will soon be launching Netflix bundled postpaid plans too.

    Home to an incredible variety of local and global stories like Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, Amar Singh Chamkila, The Great Indian Kapil Show, Laapataa Ladies, Animal, Fighter, Dunki, Squid Game, Bridgerton, Mamla Legal Hai to name a few, Netflix in India recently announced its power-packed 2024 lineup, offering a wide range of films and series for the audience.

    Vi has introduced two new unlimited prepaid packs offering unlimited calls & data bundled with Netflix basic subscription that will allow users to watch Netflix on mobile as well as TV.

    Today, Vi is the only telecom operator to offer a Netflix basic proposition at an attractive price point of less than Rs 1000 bundled with a prepaid plan. Apart from the above-mentioned benefits, Vi users recharging with the 84 days validity product, will also get flagship Hero proposition benefits such as data delight, night binge and weekend data roll-over.

    Vi will soon launch its postpaid offerings with Netflix.

  • Vi Business launched a new IoT and device management platform

    Vi Business launched a new IoT and device management platform

    Mumbai: Vi Business (Vodafone idea enterprise Arm) on Monday launched ‘ Vi Business IoT Smart Central’ as a self-care Internet of Things ( IoT) connectivity and device management platform for the convenience of enterprise functioning.

    The Vi Business IoT Smart Central platform helps the company to enable control, and manage IoT assets remotely on a real-time basis, said the company in a statement.

    It helps to improve the sim lifecycle, provide a comprehensive view of all assets and manage complex operations across many industries. According to Vi Business, Full-fledged dynamic billing and tailored rate plans based on usage patterns using advanced analytics are some of the key differentiating features of new IoT platforms.

    Currently, Vi Business is one of the largest IoT players in India.