Debt-laden Vodafone Idea is preparing a large-scale investment push as it looks to return to a growth trajectory, with plans to deploy ₹45,000 crore over the next three years, according to senior management.
Aggressive Network Rollout Across Priority Markets
Speaking during the company’s earnings call for the third quarter of the current fiscal year on Wednesday, Vodafone Idea Chief Executive Officer Abhijit Kishore said the fresh investment would significantly expand network coverage and improve service quality across key regions.The planned capital expenditure is in addition to the ₹18,000 crore already invested by the company over the past six quarters. Kishore said the funds would be directed toward an aggressive network rollout strategy, focusing on 17 priority telecom circles and five additional markets, alongside a sharper push into 5G services.
Vodafone Idea aims to expand coverage in 17 of India’s 22 telecom circles and convert 2G sites in the remaining five circles over the next three years. The company also plans to close gaps in its 4G network while accelerating 5G deployment.
5G Coverage in Urban India Within 30 Months
Kishore said the company is targeting nationwide 5G coverage across all urban markets within the next 30 months. Urban markets are being defined as towns with populations of more than 20,000.Over the next 12 to 24 months, the 17 priority markets, which together contribute about 99.2 percent of Vodafone Idea’s revenue, are expected to achieve full network parity with competitors.
The management believes these initiatives will strengthen customer experience and support a return to sustainable growth.
EBITDA Targeted to Triple in Three Years
As part of its turnaround roadmap, Vodafone Idea is targeting a threefold increase in operating income or EBITDA over the next three years, supported by network upgrades, higher data usage, and improved subscriber quality.Earlier in the day, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of the Aditya Birla Group, said in his annual message that Vodafone Idea is now looking beyond survival and focusing on sustainable growth following recent clarity on adjusted gross revenue liabilities and government relief.
He emphasized the importance of a healthy and competitive telecom sector for India’s digital future and reiterated the need for three strong private telecom operators in the country.
Satcom Services on the Longer-Term Roadmap
On satellite communication services, Kishore said the offering is still some distance away but remains part of the company’s long-term strategy. Vodafone Idea has partnered with AST SpaceMobile for the service.The company expects satcom services to be around 18 months to two years away, subject to regulatory clearances. Once operational, the service is expected to help improve connectivity in remote and difficult-to-serve areas where terrestrial networks are challenging to deploy.
With a renewed investment cycle and focus on network parity, Vodafone Idea is positioning itself for a broader revival in India’s highly competitive telecom landscape.
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