Leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has expanded its 5G footprint across West Bengal with the launch of services in Malda, Haldia and Berhampur, while announcing plans to roll out 5G connectivity in seven more cities, including Gangtok and Darjeeling, by June. The telecom company said the upcoming rollout will cover Durgapur, Asansol, Habra-Ashoknagar, Burdwan, Kharagpur, Gangtok and Darjeeling as part of its strategy to strengthen its presence in high-demand and fast-growing markets. Vi had earlier launched 5G services in Kolkata and Siliguri.
The company said it is prioritising industrial hubs, commercial centres and tourism-driven markets that are witnessing rising data consumption and increasing digital demand. Key industrial centres such as Durgapur and Asansol, commercial hubs like Haldia and tourism hotspots including Gangtok and Darjeeling are part of the expansion roadmap. Sovan Mukherjee, Business Head – Kolkata, Rest of Bengal, Assam and North-East, Vodafone Idea, said the expansion reflects the company’s focus on delivering consistent and enhanced network experience across strategic markets with high data usage and significant consumer footfall.
Gangtok is expected to emerge as an important growth centre for Vi’s 5G services, driven by rising tourism, increasing smartphone penetration and growing dependence on digital platforms. Market observers believe improved 5G connectivity could boost hospitality, local businesses, digital payments and content consumption in the Sikkim capital while strengthening the region’s digital infrastructure.