Vodafone Idea Allocates ₹30,000 Crore for 4G and 5G Network Expansion

Debt-laden Vodafone Idea announced on September 22, 2024, that it has awarded contracts valued at approximately ₹30,000 crore to prominent telecom equipment suppliers Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung. This initiative is a component of the company’s broader three-year capital expenditure plan, estimated at $6.6 billion or ₹55,000 crore, aimed primarily at expanding network capabilities.

According to a company statement, the contracts with Nokia, Ericsson, and Samsung encompass the provision of network equipment over a three-year period. “Vodafone Idea has finalized a significant deal, worth approximately $3.6 billion [around ₹300 billion], for network equipment supply. This capital expenditure program is focused on extending 4G population coverage from 1.03 billion to 1.2 billion, initiating 5G services in key markets, and enhancing capacity in response to data demand,” the statement read.

The supply of equipment stemming from these new contracts is scheduled to commence in the upcoming quarter, the company noted. A central goal for Vodafone Idea is the expansion of its 4G network to reach 1.2 billion individuals across India, as highlighted in their recent communication.