Vi Enhances Network On Sabarimala Route; Announces Pre-Registration For Vi Suraksha Wrist Bands For Children’s Safety

· Strengthens network by deploying 70 MHz of spectrum in 5 spectrum bands across Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilakkal to help pilgrims stay seamlessly connected

· Simplified pre-registration for the Vi Suraksha Wrist Bands begins today

As Kerala prepares for one of its largest annual pilgrimage in Sabarimala, the State Police and the largest telecom operator in Kerala, Vi, have once again joined hands to ensure a worry-free, safe pilgrimage.

Vi has strengthened its network to ensure pilgrims stay connected on the route, by enhancing connectivity across Sannidhanam, Pampa, and Nilakkal. It has deployed 70 MHz of spectrum across the spectrum bands in L900, L1800, L2100, L2300, L2500 and added 13 new sites in Pathanamthitta district.

To ensure seamless connectivity across the locations, Vi has also deployed advanced FDD and TDD layers with Massive MIMO technology to ensure strong data and voice services even during peak pilgrimage traffic.

Connectivity has been substantially strengthened at Ganapathi Kovil, Nadappanthal, administration offices, the Pampa–Sannidhanam trekking path, and Nilakkal parking and bus stand, enabling devotees to stay in touch with their families, access information, and share their spiritual experiences without disruption.

Vi Suraksha

Following the positive response to the Vi Suraksha initiative last year, Vi has once again partnered with the Kerala Police to provide QR-coded safety wrist bands for children. Each wristband is linked to a guardian’s contact number, helping police to quickly reunite lost children with their families.

Vi has introduced a simplified pre-registration process this year, enabling families to register well before reaching the base camp and collect the safety bands from any of the Vi Suraksha kiosks at Pamba base camp upon arrival:

· Parents / Guardians can pre-register their children for a Vi Suraksha Wrist Band by logging in to www.visuraksha.online or by visiting any Vi Store or Vi Mini Store across Kerala and get a digital registration ID before embarking on their pilgrimage

· During the pilgrimage, parents can show the digital registration ID at any of the Vi Suraksha kiosks at Pamba base camp and collect the QR-coded wristbands that are already linked with their contact number

· This facility is free of cost and is available for ALL pilgrims

Over the years, the Kerala Police has witnessed a significant rise in the number of child pilgrims, with around 10-15% of the total pilgrims last year being children. Simultaneously, each season, Kerala Police records hundreds of missing children cases, making child safety a key challenge during crowd management.

Pathanamthitta District Police Superintendent Anand R (IPS) officially inaugurated the pre-registration for the Vi Suraksha initiative in the presence of George Mathew V, Business Head, Kerala, Vi, at the Pathanamthitta District Police Office. The facility will be available at all 25 Vi Stores and 103 Vi Mini Stores across Kerala, with 3 Vi Suraksha kiosks set up at Pamba - conveniently located right next to the Virtual Queue Kiosks.

Last year, Vi distributed over 20,000 Vi Suraksha wristbands, helping the Kerala Police reunite over 150 missing children with their families during the pilgrimage.

Pathanamthitta District Police Superintendent Anand R (IPS) said “The District Police is happy to continue this collaboration with Vi under the Vi Suraksha initiative, which will greatly assist pilgrims and support our ongoing efforts to ensure their safety during the Sabarimala Yatra. The Vi Suraksha QR code bands will significantly aid our efforts in tracking children who get separated and help them reunite with their families.”

Commenting on the efforts, George Mathew V, Business Head - Kerala, Vodafone Idea, said “At Vi, our focus remains on leveraging technology to create safer and smarter communities. Each year, millions of devotees undertake the pilgrimage to Sabarimala, and ensuring their safety is of utmost importance. With Vi Suraksha’s innovative QR Code bands, families can stay connected and locate their children quickly in case of any unforeseen situations. Through our partnership with Kerala Police on the Vi Suraksha initiative, we are proud to once again help make this pilgrimage safer for children and worry-free for families. Our enhanced network across Nilakkal, Pampa, and Sannidhanam ensures devotees stay connected during their spiritual journey.”

About Vodafone Idea Limited

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is amongst India’s leading telecom service providers. The company holds a large spectrum portfolio including mid band 5G spectrum in 17 circles and mmWave spectrum in 16 circles. The Company provides Voice and Data services across 2G, 4G and 5G platforms and is expanding 5G services across 17 circles. To support the growing demand for data and voice, the Company is committed to delivering delightful customer experiences and contributing towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company’s equity shares are listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the BSE in India. The company offers products and services to its customers in India under the TM Brand name “Vi”. For more information, please visit: www.MyVi.in