Leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) has expanded its 5G services across West Bengal with fresh rollouts in Malda, Haldia and Berhampur, while announcing plans to launch services in Durgapur, Asansol, Habra-Ashoknagar, Burdwan, Kharagpur, Gangtok and Darjeeling by June. The expansion comes as telecom companies intensify investments in high-growth regional markets witnessing rising data consumption and increasing smartphone penetration. Vi had earlier introduced 5G services in Kolkata and Siliguri, strengthening its presence in eastern India’s key digital corridors.
According to the company, the rollout strategy is focused on industrial centres, commercial hubs and tourism-driven locations where demand for faster connectivity is growing rapidly. Markets such as Durgapur and Asansol are emerging as major industrial data hubs, while Gangtok and Darjeeling continue to see strong digital demand from tourism and service sectors.
Sovan Mukherjee, Business Head – Kolkata, Rest of Bengal, Assam and North-East, Vodafone Idea, said the company is accelerating network expansion to deliver enhanced user experience across high-demand locations and areas with significant consumer footfall. Siliguri remains a key focus area for telecom operators due to its strategic position as the gateway to Northeast India. Industry analysts believe stronger 5G connectivity in Siliguri could support digital commerce, logistics, tourism and enterprise services, while driving higher data usage across North Bengal and neighbouring regions.
