News in Short

• Vi has introduced free international roaming on select prepaid, postpaid and enterprise plans.
• The benefit covers more than 170 countries.
• Eligible customers can use the benefit for up to three trips a year.
• Eligible postpaid plans start at ₹501.
• Enterprise plans with the benefit start at ₹451.
• Vi claims customers can save up to ₹9,000 annually on roaming.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) has introduced free international roaming for eligible customers in India. The benefit is available on select prepaid, postpaid and enterprise plans.

With the new offering, eligible customers can use their existing Vi number while travelling abroad. The benefit covers more than 170 countries and can be used for up to three trips each year, depending on the plan.

Vi says the new benefit can help customers avoid separate international roaming packs or switching to a local SIM while travelling.

Free International Roaming Comes With Select Vi Plans

The international roaming benefit is bundled with select Vi plans. It covers individual, family and business-oriented plans.

For postpaid users, eligible plans start at ₹501. Annual prepaid unlimited data plans are also included, according to Vi. Enterprise customers can access the benefit through corporate plans starting at ₹451.

However, the exact roaming benefits depend on the plan. Data allowances and outgoing calling minutes can vary between eligible options.

Vi Roaming Works Across 170+ Countries

The new benefit extends international roaming support across more than 170 countries. Eligible customers can continue using their existing Vi number when travelling overseas.

This can be useful for users who need to stay connected to their Indian number while abroad. It also avoids the need to change numbers when accessing services that depend on the existing connection.

Vi says customers can use the benefit for up to three international trips in a year. The number of trips and available benefits remain linked to the customer’s eligible plan.

Customers Can Activate Roaming Through the Vi App

Vi has also made activation available through its mobile app. Eligible customers can select the relevant international Roam-Free plan and activate the benefit before travelling.

This means users do not need to separately purchase a traditional international roaming pack if their existing plan already includes the benefit.

However, customers should check the specific data and calling allowances attached to their plan before travelling. The available benefits are not identical across all eligible plans.

Vi Claims Up to ₹9,000 in Annual Savings

Vi says the new offering can provide annual roaming savings of up to ₹9,000. The actual savings will depend on how often a customer travels and the roaming benefits included with their plan.

Traditionally, international travellers may need to purchase roaming packs or use a local SIM or travel eSIM. Vi is positioning its bundled approach as a simpler alternative.

The company also highlighted the importance of retaining an Indian number while travelling. This can help customers continue receiving communications and services linked to their existing number.

Vi Targets Frequent International Travellers

The new roaming benefit covers prepaid, postpaid and enterprise customers. This gives the offering a broader reach across Vi’s consumer and business customer base.

For frequent travellers, the ability to use international roaming across multiple trips could reduce the need to arrange connectivity before every journey. At the same time, users will need to check their individual plan’s limits for data, calls and trip eligibility.

Vi has not said that free international roaming applies across its entire customer base. The benefit remains limited to eligible plans, with the exact terms varying by plan.