Vodafone Idea turns to Indian vendors Tejas, HCLTech, HFCL to localise 4G, 5G rollout: Report

Vodafone Idea Ltd (Vi) is increasingly partnering with Indian network equipment makers such as Tejas Networks, HFCL and HCLTech to cut costs and accelerate its 4G and 5G expansion, Moneycontrol reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The telecom operator has begun trialling 4G and 5G wireless gear from Tejas Networks in one of its circles and may place commercial orders depending on performance, the report said.

“Vodafone Idea wants to work with more Indian vendors for our requirements wherever possible to cut costs and to have a faster time to market. We are currently trialling Tejas 4G and 5G equipment,” Moneycontrol quoted a person cited above as saying.

Vi has already been using packet and optical transmission gear and routers from Tejas to strengthen its backhaul network and is now increasing order volumes, according to the report.

The company is also expanding collaborations with other local suppliers. HCLTech has been chosen to provide Self-Optimising Network (SON) technology, while HFCL has received an order to supply IP/MPLS routers for Vi’s 5G network, joining multinational vendors such as Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung.

Without naming Vodafone Idea, Sanjay Malik, Chief Strategy and Business Officer at Tejas Networks, confirmed that the company is engaging with private telecom operators in India.

Malik said 2026 could be a turning point as private telcos begin adopting Tejas and Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) network solutions.

Vodafone Idea is deploying 4G and 5G infrastructure across 17 priority circles as part of its turnaround plan. In 2024, the company signed a $3.6 billion deal with Nokia, Ericsson and Samsung for network equipment supply over three years.

The operator has guided for full-year capital expenditure of ₹7,500–8,000 crore, with about ₹5,000 crore already spent in the first half of the fiscal year ending March 2026.

A company spokesperson said that Vi works with both global and Indian vendors who meet “high standards of quality, performance, and service.”