Vodafone Idea shares gained around 2% in Friday's trade, hitting a high of ₹14.32 apiece on the NSE by 2 pm, as reported by The Economic Times. The stock was trading 1.56% higher during the session, significantly outperforming the benchmark Nifty 50 index which was up only 0.25%. This positive market response reflects investor confidence in the company's new service offerings and the enhanced global coverage proposition.
The telecom operator has significantly expanded its international roaming services, now offering free international roaming across 170+ countries as part of its brand promise "Vi Pe Sab Hain VIP," as reported by The Economic Times. This represents a substantial increase from the previous coverage, allowing customers and their families to stay connected without worrying about roaming charges, SIM swaps, or unexpected bills while traveling internationally. The offering is specifically designed to simplify international connectivity for customers traveling abroad.
The enhanced proposition includes free international roaming services on major postpaid, prepaid and enterprise plans, as reported by The Economic Times. Postpaid users can now avail eligible plans starting at ₹501, along with annual prepaid unlimited data plans. Enterprise customers can secure the benefit through corporate plans starting at ₹451. The service allows customers to activate the benefit through the Vodafone Idea app by choosing the required international Roam-Free plan, after which their existing number can be used while traveling. Under the new offering, customers on eligible Vi plans will get international roaming as a built-in benefit, along with other benefits available under their respective plans.
Under the new proposition, eligible customers can enjoy free international roaming bundled into their plans, with Vi estimating potential savings of up to ₹9,000 annually for customers, as reported by The Economic Times. The service is available across major postpaid, prepaid and enterprise plans, with customers able to use international roaming for up to three trips in a year, depending on their specific plan benefits. The service includes varying international data quotas and outgoing minutes based on individual plan selections. Customers can access the offering through the Vi App by selecting the international Roam-Free plans, after which they can use international connectivity during their trip as per the benefits available under their respective plans.
According to Avneesh Khosla, chief marketing officer at Vi, the company is taking a disruptive approach by making international roaming a built-in benefit on key Vi plans, moving from a traditional model where customers buy roaming services to one where their existing Vi number remains connected overseas. As reported by The Economic Times, international roaming has traditionally involved purchasing a separate pack or getting a local SIM or travel eSIM, which is mostly perceived as expensive. The new offering allows customers to simply open the Vi App, choose the international Roam-Free plans, and start enjoying free international connectivity during their trip. The service is specifically designed for individual, family and business travelers, allowing customers to use their existing Vi numbers while traveling abroad without purchasing local or travel SIMs, with the free roaming offer valid across over 170 countries globally.
