Vodafone Idea extended its 5G service to 33 more cities in Kerala in May 2026, reaching about 21 lakh more people, TelecomTalk reported.
An earlier phase covered 18 cities across all 14 districts of the state. George Mathew V, Vi’s Business Head for Kerala, said the launch reflects “our phased and data demand-led approach to network expansion.”
Vi 5G in Kerala
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| New cities | 33 |
| Earlier phase | 18 cities, all 14 districts |
| Additional people | About 21 lakh |
| Announced | May 26, 2026 |
A combined total of 51 cities assumes no overlap, which the report did not confirm.
What it means for Vi users
TelecomTalk has noted that Vi’s 5G coverage is smaller than its rivals’. Its new promoter funding is meant mainly for 4G and 5G in priority circles.
Vi users need a 5G phone and a suitable plan to use the service, and coverage varies street by street. Its ₹2,475 plan lists 5G only where Vi has deployed it.
The promoter funding is the ₹4,730 crore investment from the Aditya Birla Group, which Vi’s shareholders approved in June at ₹11 a share. Our 5G guide compares where Jio, Airtel, Vi and BSNL offer 5G, and Vi’s ₹200 Movies & TV pack includes unlimited 5G for 28 days.
The 33 cities build on Vi’s statewide coverage. In January 2026, Vi said it had extended 5G to all 14 districts of Kerala, following earlier launches in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Malappuram, and that it had added more than 3,500 4G sites in the state between September 2024 and September 2025, Voice&Data reported. Vi said the new 4G sites were aimed at better coverage and data speeds, particularly indoors.
Why it matters for mobile shops
Kerala retailers can now offer Vi 5G as a real option in more places. Test the signal at your shop first, then speak about it honestly. Vi customers on older phones may be open to an upgrade if 5G has reached their area.
