Vi Expands 5G Footprint to Agra and Patna, Now Live in 17 Indian Cities

The race for 5G dominance in India intensifies as Vodafone Idea (Vi) switched on its next-generation network in Agra and Patna on July 31, 2025. This strategic expansion brings Vi’s high-speed 5G services to a total of 17 major urban centers across the country, marking a significant step in its network transformation journey.

Vi Accelerates Nationwide 5G Coverage

With this latest rollout, Vi’s 5G network now spans key telecom circles including Maharashtra (covering Mumbai), Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Kerala. The inclusion of Agra (Uttar Pradesh) and Patna (Bihar) addresses growing data demands in these historic and densely populated cities. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Q1 2025 data highlights Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as high-growth mobile data markets, making them crucial for operators. Vi stated the expansion leverages its existing spectrum holdings in the mid-band (n78) for balanced coverage and capacity.

Customers in these new cities can access Vi 5G services on compatible smartphones without needing a specific 5G recharge plan, provided they are on an active 4G pack. Initial user reports from Patna cited by The Economic Times on August 1, 2025, indicate download speeds averaging 10-15 times faster than 4G in core areas near landmarks like Patna Junction and Gandhi Maidan. Similar speed boosts were observed in Agra near the Taj Mahal vicinity.

User Experience and Competitive Landscape

Vi is actively promoting its “Vi 5G Unlimited Data” introductory offer for eligible users in the new launch cities. This allows unlimited 5G data consumption without extra cost until December 31, 2025, subject to fair usage policies. However, network consistency outside city centers remains a focus area, as noted in recent Ookla Speedtest Intelligence reports comparing pan-operator 5G performance.

The expansion narrows the gap with rivals Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, who launched their 5G services earlier. Jio claims coverage in all 22 telecom circles, while Airtel reports presence in over 5,000 cities. Vi’s targeted approach prioritizes high-value urban corridors. Analysts at Counterpoint Research, cited in a July 2025 brief, suggest Vi’s challenge lies in rapidly scaling coverage while managing its financial restructuring.

Vi subscribers can check 5G availability via the MyVi app or USSD code 1993#. The telco offers diverse 5G-compatible plans, including its popular Mumbai-focused ₹699 plan offering unlimited data, calling, and OTT benefits. For users seeking affordability, options like the ₹299 plan provide daily data allowances usable on both 4G and 5G networks where available.

Vi’s push into Agra and Patna strengthens its position in India’s competitive 5G arena, bringing high-speed connectivity to millions more users. While the nationwide race continues, this expansion offers consumers greater choice and faster access to next-generation applications. Check your device compatibility and explore Vi’s latest 5G recharge plans to experience the speed difference firsthand.

Must Know

1. How many cities now have Vi 5G coverage?
Vi’s 5G network is now operational in 17 major Indian cities. This includes recent additions Agra and Patna, alongside existing coverage in Delhi, Mumbai (Maharashtra), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chandigarh (Punjab), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), and others across key telecom circles. The telco is prioritizing high-traffic urban centers for its initial rollout phase.

2. Do I need a special plan to use Vi 5G?
No, you don’t need a specific 5G recharge plan. If you have an active Vi 4G plan and a 5G-enabled smartphone, you can access the 5G network in covered areas. Vi is also running an “Unlimited 5G Data” promotional offer for eligible users on certain plans until December 31, 2025, subject to fair usage policy limits.

3. What speeds can I expect on Vi 5G?
Initial user reports and tests in newly launched cities like Patna and Agra indicate average download speeds significantly higher than 4G – often ranging between 150-400 Mbps in good coverage zones. This is roughly 10-15 times faster than typical 4G speeds. Actual speeds depend on location, network congestion, and device capability.

4. How can I check if Vi 5G is available in my area?
Vi subscribers can check 5G coverage through multiple methods:

• Use the Vi coverage checker on the official Vi website.
• Open the MyVi app and look for the 5G network indicator.
• Dial the USSD code 1993# from your Vi number.
• Ensure your mobile data is on and your phone supports Vi’s 5G bands (n78 is key).

5. Is Vi 5G available on all plans?
Vi 5G access is available to most postpaid and prepaid users with an active 4G data pack. However, the “Unlimited 5G Data” promotional offer applies only to specific plans. Users on very old or base-level plans without data benefits may need to recharge with a qualifying 4G/5G pack to access the high-speed network. Always check your plan details.