Vodafone Idea Unveils Brand Identity Vi (Total Network Integration)

[Mrinal Chauhan]

Starting today, Vi becomes the new brand identity of Vodafone Idea Limited. And thus, the final step in the integration of two telecom brands complete.

Though both the brands (Vodafone India and Idea Cellular) merged two years ago, it completed the network integration today. Filing the same with stock exchanges, the Vi is the largest telecom integration in the world.

Here onwards, there will be a single brand identity instead of separate Vodafone and Idea networks. The subscribers of Vodafone and Idea (both the prepaid/postpaid) can now do a single recharge (or postpaid payment) on a new website https://www.myvi.in/ and mobile Vi app.

As a result, the Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) stock hit its 15-month high of ₹13.45 during Friday’s intra-day trade and now settled at ₹12.40. To the unaware, Vodafone holds 44.39 per cent and Adity Birla Group holds 27.66 per cent in this JV.

What will Not Change with Vi?

It is to be remembered that nothing will change at the customer-end. Your existing SIM card continues on Vi. There will be no change in your prepaid/postpaid plan benefits including the validity. Your existing free subscriptions with Amazon Prime and Netflix will continue with Vi. 199 continues to be the customer care number.

Vi in Words of Mr. Birla:

It is to be noted that Mr Kumar Mangalam Birla is the chairman of Vodafone Idea Limited. According to Mr Birla, the Vi (read it as We) is future-ready and is committed to accelerate India’s progression towards a digital economy and build a better tomorrow.

In a similar note, Vodafone Group Plc. CEO Mr Nick said that with the new branding Vi, the company has promised a stronger, better, faster and future-fit network built on many principles of 5G architecture.

Vodafone Idea faces an outstanding AGR due of about ₹50,000 crores. Recently, the Supreme Court directed the telecom companies to pay 10% of the AGR due amount this year and the reaming balance in 10 instalments.

With this, the company has to go for fundraising plans to meet debt and future capital requirements. Shockingly, the company has already reported a net loss of ₹25,460 crores for the last June quarter.

What’s Your Opinion?

A common brand is always a good thing. However, the industry analysts feel that there should be an improvement in network experience by upgrading infrastructure and customer support. If the rumours are to be believed, there is still a gap tower-wise integration is yet to complete.

Leaving it aside, let’s hope this new brand Vi paves for the growth of the third-largest telecom operator in the fiercely-competitive Indian telecom market.

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