Vi 5G launch in India will depend on use case, customer demand, competitive dynamics: CEO Ravinder Thacker

Vodafone Idea’s (Vi) 5G service launch will depend on factors such as use cases, customer demand, competition and others, managing director and CEO Ravinder Thacker said at the company’s 27th annual general meeting (AGM) on Monday. Takker revealed that Vi has already taken Rs. 4940 crore investment and is in active discussion with investors to acquire more funding. Vi recently made a bid to acquire 5G spectrum airwaves in India, which reportedly added an annual fee obligation of Rs. 1,680 crores for the company.

According to the Press Trust of India, Vi has suggested to appoint its chief financial officer Akshaya Mundra as the company’s CEO and move Takker into the role of non-executive director.

The telco acquired 5G spectrum worth Rs. 18,800 crore during the 5G spectrum auction in India. These include the 3.3 GHz band in 17 priority circles and the 26 GHz bands in 16 circles.

During Monday’s AGM, Tucker said that “5G deployment will depend on a variety of factors, such as how use cases evolve, customer demand, capacity requirements, as well as competitive dynamics.” However, the 5G offer has reportedly added an annual installment obligation of Rs. 1,680 crores for the company.

Takker further argued that the current tariffs for mobile services offered by Vi are not sustainable and should raise the tariffs further.