Vi (Vodafone-Idea) is taking bold steps to disrupt the Indian telecom market, signaling a direct challenge to industry giants Jio and Airtel. With BSNL’s 5G launch already heating up the competition, Vi’s strategy to offer more attractive 5G pricing could significantly shift market dynamics.

During a recent earnings call, Vi CEO Akshay Mundra hinted at competitive pricing for their upcoming 5G services. While still in the early stages of deployment, Mundra’s remarks suggest a deliberate move to attract users away from Jio and Airtel. He stated, “We are considering pricing that could be more attractive than what’s currently available.”

Although Vi’s exact 5G pricing remains unclear, the company is focused on building its infrastructure and assessing market needs. This strategy contrasts with Jio and Airtel’s higher initial 5G prices, which aim to boost their average revenue per user (ARPU).

Vi faces additional challenges, including the replacement of Chinese-made equipment due to regulatory restrictions, complicating their 5G rollout. Financially, the company is also under pressure, having reported a significant loss of ₹6,434.4 crore last quarter. However, recent tariff hikes and a steady ARPU offer some optimism.

As BSNL and Vi intensify their efforts, India’s telecom landscape is set for a major transformation, promising more choices and potentially lower costs for mobile users.