Vodafone, Idea Brands Now "Vi": CEO Ravinder Takkar

Vodafone Idea on Monday said on Monday that it is rebranding itself, and Vodafone and Idea brands are now “Vi”. Since the merger of Vodafone and Idea Cellular, the company has focussed on "integrating the two large networks, our people and processes", Vodafone Idea managing director CEO Ravinder Takkar said. The rebranding initiative by the company comes amid intense competition in the country's highly-indebted telecom sector. 

“Today I am delighted to present Vi, a brand that will bring important meaning to lives of our customers. Indians are optimistic and want to get ahead in life," said Mr Takkar.

"They would love a credible partner to help them on this journey. Vi's positioning is built around this promise and will focus on meeting the customer needs to help them thrive,” he added. 

The name Vi is much more than an abbreviation of Vodafone and Idea. Vi, read as 'we' reflects the collective nature of Indian society, the company said. 

Vodafone Plc's Indian arm had merged with Idea Cellular in August 2018. However, both Vodafone and Idea had maintained two separate brand identities till date. 

"The integration of two brands is a culmination of the largest telecom integration in the world," Vodafone Idea said.

Vodafone Idea is attempting to keep its businesses afloat in India after the Supreme Court, last week, gave telecom companies 10 years to pay adjusted gross revenue dues (AGR) dues.

On Friday, Vodafone Idea had declared its intention to raise fresh capital of up to Rs 25,000 crore to pay off the hefty dues owed to the government. It plans to raise up to Rs 15,000 crore through debentures and an equal amount by issuing shares and warrants.