Telecom operator Vi has switched on its 5G services in Kochi from August 18, and will follow with a launch in Thiruvananthapuram on August 20. The company has already extended its 5G reach to Kozhikode and Malappuram earlier this year.
The expansion is part of Vi’s broader rollout plan across its 17 priority circles, where it has secured 5G spectrum. Customers in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram with 5G-ready phones will now be able to access the network.
For a start, Vi is offering unlimited 5G data on plans from ₹299. The company says users can expect high-definition video streaming, smoother gaming, faster downloads, real-time cloud access and improved video conferencing.
George Mathew V, business head, Vodafone Idea, said the company is aiming to provide a wider choice and enhanced experience with its combined 4G and 5G services. He noted that the expansion will be gradual, matching handset adoption and demand.
In Kerala, Vi has partnered with Ericsson to deploy advanced, energy-efficient infrastructure. It has also implemented AI-powered Self-Organising Networks (SON), which automatically adjust and optimise network performance.
Alongside 5G, Vi has been upgrading its 4G network to improve coverage and speeds. Notably, it launched 4G services in the Lakshadweep islands in November 2024.
Since March 2024, Vi claims to have deployed 900 MHz spectrum on over 1,400 sites to strengthen indoor coverage and 2,100 MHz spectrum on 4,300 sites.
According to the company, these upgrades — carried out over 15 months from April 2024 to June 2025 — have increased capacity in Kerala by 22%, aiming to deliver consistent connectivity across both urban and rural areas.
