Vi further strengthens partnership with Ericsson for network augmentation and cloud native charging to modernize postpaid services

Vi (Vodafone Idea), one of India’s leading telecom operators, has expanded its strategic partnership with Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) to modernise its postpaid services while supporting its ongoing network expansion across the country. Since 2024, Ericsson has deployed new 5G & 4G sites, layer additions on existing sites and HPSC (High-Performance Small Cell) towers across 10 circles.

Going ahead, Ericsson will continue to strengthen Vi’s network footprint through deployment and integration of new network sites, capacity augmentation, and coverage expansion. These efforts will lead to enhancing indoor coverage, improving data capacity, and supporting Vi’s ongoing efforts for expanding 5G & 4G connectivity.

Also, building on the successful migration of hundreds of millions of Vi prepaid subscribers to Ericsson Charging in 2023, Vi has now chosen to deploy cloud-native Ericsson Charging to support and expand its postpaid subscriber segment and deliver innovative postpaid offers. This landmark deal expands Ericsson’s existing footprint in Vi’s prepaid subscriber segment to include the postpaid business as well, making Ericsson a major pan-India supplier of online charging solutions for both prepaid and postpaid customers.

The new agreement also empowers Vi with a selection of new Ericsson Telco IT AI Apps, giving it greater control and flexibility over its Charging platform and ensuring it can deliver reliable, efficient and future-proof services to its subscribers. Vi will leverage AI applications including Anomaly Detection for Charging Applications, Order Fallout Detection and Prediction, Capacity Forecast for Telco Cloud Stack and Intelligent Usage Analysis for Charging to enhance service delivery, improve customer experience, and drive efficiency.

Vi will transform its legacy offline charging and rating functionalities of billing solution with Ericsson’s Convergent Charging System which will enable real time charging for voice, VOLTE, SMS and data services across consumer and enterprise businesses. The new system will be more flexible, scalable and cost efficient and will allow Vi to launch new services faster. The upgrade will improve operational efficiency and customer experience and help prepare Vi’s network for 5G Standalone going forward.

Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea said, “We’re looking forward to further strengthening our longstanding partnership with Ericsson. The simplification and benefits of cloud-native Ericsson Charging will help us future-proof our architecture, enabling us to meet the demands of today’s digital environment and tomorrow’s 5G needs as Indians embrace this new era of connectivity. Vi customers will gain access to real-time account information and advanced offers, helping us deliver world-class customer experiences leveraging AI to achieve operational efficiencies and drive growth.”

Andres Vicente, CEO, Southeast Asia, Oceania and India, Ericsson says, “Our deep understanding of Vi’s business is reflected in the great service to customers we work so closely together to deliver. We are delighted to expand our collaboration by deploying Ericsson Charging to modernize Vi’s postpaid rating and charging functionalities from offline to real time rating and charging model. The scalable, AI driven solution will help Vi modernize operations and expedite the deployment of next-generation services.”

Ericsson’s convergent charging solution is fully compliant with TM Forum’s Open Digital Architecture and incorporates open APIs. By enabling catalogue-driven product configuration and integrated charging and policy control, Vi will be able to introduce new offerings with greater speed and efficiency to meet evolving digital demands. This deployment also delivers significant operational benefits, including reduced OPEX and the ability to support advanced and personalized product offerings in the future.

This latest postpaid transformation deal further strengthens Ericsson’s longstanding partnership with Vi.