Vodafone Idea (Vi) has expanded its commercial 5G footprint to 400 cities and towns across all 17 telecom circles where it holds 5G spectrum, marking an aggressive acceleration in its network rollout. In its second-quarter earnings report for FY27, the carrier registered a 6.2% year-on-year revenue growth to ₹11,884 crore, driven by tariff revisions that propelled average revenue per user (ARPU) to ₹198.
Key Highlights of Vi’s Q2 FY27 Performance and 5G Expansion:
- Broad 5G Rollout: Commercial 5G network coverage now spans 400 cities and towns across 17 licensed telecom circles.
- Record Tower Deployment: Deployed nearly 9,000 unique broadband towers during the quarter, representing the carrier’s highest quarterly addition in nine quarters and expanding total broadband sites to ~214,000.
- ARPU and Revenue Growth: Quarterly revenue climbed 6.2% year on year to ₹11,884 crore, while ARPU grew 9.7% to ₹198 across an active subscriber base of 194.4 million.
- Expanding 4G Footprint: Nationwide 4G population coverage reached approximately 88%, supported by accelerated capital expenditure.
Vodafone Idea Q2 FY27: Network Rollout and Financial Performance Overview
| Commercial 5G Footprint | 400 cities and towns across 17 telecom circles |
| Quarterly Tower Additions | Nearly 9,000 unique broadband towers (9-quarter high) |
| Total Broadband Sites | Approximately 214,000 sites nationwide |
| 4G Population Coverage | Nearly 88% |
| Q2 FY27 Operating Revenue | ₹11,884 crore (Up 6.2% YoY) |
| Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) | ₹198 (Up 9.7% YoY from ₹180.5) |
| Total Active Subscriber Base | 194.4 million subscribers |
| Consolidated Net Loss | ₹5,975 crore (Impacted by exceptional items) |
| Targeted 5G Spectrum Circles | 17 circles deployed with active commercial sites |
Network Rollout Execution and Q2 Financial Trajectory
The aggressive acceleration in tower deployments signals that Vodafone Idea’s follow-on funding is translating directly into field infrastructure. Adding nearly 9,000 unique broadband towers within a single quarter represents the company’s strongest rollout pace in over two years, taking its national broadband footprint to 214,000 sites. This expansion directly supported the push toward 88% 4G population coverage, strengthening data throughput in high-density corridors. The network improvements complement regional capacity pacts, such as the BSNL and Vodafone Idea inter-circle roaming expansion, which helped optimize rural reach without redundant infrastructure outlays.
On the commercial front, the 9.7% surge in ARPU to ₹198 reflects sustained monetization gains following industry-wide price adjustments, mirroring the trend observed in the Vi 84-day prepaid plan tariff hike. While the consolidated net loss of ₹5,975 crore continues to reflect heavy legacy debt obligations and exceptional charges, revenue stabilization at ₹11,884 crore and steady user engagement across 194.4 million subscribers provide crucial operational runway.
PFD Context
Vodafone Idea’s milestone of 400 5G cities and 88% 4G population coverage is a critical operational turnaround. To stem long-term subscriber erosion against Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, Vi had to demonstrate real tower deployments rather than pilot announcements. Reaching ₹198 ARPU places the operator on a firmer foundation, though navigating heavy statutory dues will require sustained capital expenditure and continuous network quality improvements.
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