Vodafone Idea Share Price Rises Following 5G Rollout in Mumbai

Market Performance

Shares of Vodafone Idea saw a rise of nearly 5% during early trading on March 19 after the company announced the launch of its 5G services in Mumbai. The stock reached ₹7.44 in morning deals, marking a 4.7% increase. Despite this surge, the stock remains approximately 61% below its 52-week high of ₹19.15, recorded in June 2024. In contrast, it has recovered by about 13% from its 52-week low of ₹6.6, observed in November 2024. So far in 2025, Vodafone Idea shares have seen an 11% decline, while over the past year, the stock has lost 45% of its market capitalization.

5G Rollout and Technological Advancements

Vodafone Idea officially launched its 5G services in Mumbai, aiming to enhance mobile connectivity and user experience. According to the company's exchange filing, this initiative focuses on expanding network coverage and improving service quality.

The company has partnered with Nokia to support the rollout, utilizing next-generation equipment designed for energy efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, Vodafone Idea has introduced an AI-powered Self-Organizing Network (SON) system, which continuously optimizes network performance to improve service delivery.

Financials and Expansion Plans

Over the past 12 months, Vodafone Idea has raised approximately ₹26,000 crore in equity, including:

• ₹18,000 crore through India's largest follow-on public offering (FPO)
• ₹4,000 crore as promoter contribution

This funding is being utilized to accelerate the company's capital expenditure (capex) plans. Vodafone Idea aims to invest ₹50,000-55,000 crore over the next three years, primarily focusing on expanding 4G network coverage to reach about 90% of the Indian population. Additionally, the company is prioritizing 5G deployments in key regions to enhance user experience.

Summary

The launch of Vodafone Idea's 5G services in Mumbai resulted in a nearly 5% rise in its share price. The company has undertaken significant financial initiatives to support its network expansion plans, raising substantial capital to fund future growth. Despite these efforts, Vodafone Idea continues to operate in a fiercely competitive market, competing with well-established players who have already completed pan-India 5G rollouts. The company remains focused on enhancing its service quality and network efficiency through technological advancements and infrastructure expansion.