With Vodafone Idea as ‘Vi’, merger integration complete; plan to take on other telco giants

New Delhi: Vodafone, Idea have launched a new brand entity in India – ‘Vi’. The move comes as it prepares to mount challenge to Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel in the telecom space.

The development was shared during a virtual conference that was livestreamed today. The move is a big bet from the Vodfaone and Idea to lure new customers from rivals Jio and Airtel while planning to raise Rs 25,000 crore to expand network operations.

Vodafone and Idea merger took place on August 31, 2018, and the new Vi brand emphasises the final stage of the integration between the two.

The new branding has been updated on the website and app, and will make its way to all products including SIM cards, bills, billboards, and more.

“The brand integration not only marks the completion of the largest telecom merger in the world but also sets us on our future journey to offer world-class digital experiences to one billion Indians on our strong 4G network,” said Managing Director and CEO Ravinder Takkar.

“Vodafone Idea Ltd is now leaner and agile, and the deployment of many principles of 5G architecture has helped us transform into a future-fit, digital network for the changing customer needs,” he said in a statement.

New Packages to lure customers

Following the relaunch, the company is likely to unveil new packages for its subscribers across the country.

“With our new brand Vi, we stand committed to partner the government to accelerate India’s progression towards a digital economy, enabling millions of citizens to connect to the digital revolution and build a better tomorrow,” said Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Idea.

Nick Read, Chief Executive officer of Vodafone Group Plc, said as the integration of the two businesses is now complete, it is time for a fresh start.

“That is why we believe that now is the perfect time to launch Vi, one company which combines the strengths of Vodafone India and Idea. Vi’s focus will be to deliver to citizens and businesses in India a superior network experience, better customer service and leading products and services,” he said.

Vodafone Idea was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling in October last year when it was asked to pay Rs 58,254 crore of AGR dues to the government. However, the apex court last week gave 10 years to all telecom companies to pay their past dues.

Vodafone Idea has paid Rs 7,854 crore as AGR to the Department of Telecommunications. In the April to June quarter, the company reported a net loss of Rs 25,460 crore.