INDIA: Vi, India’s leading telecom operator, announced a strategic partnership with premium streaming service, Lionsgate Play, unlocking an exclusive library of top-tier content. Featuring action blockbusters, iconic franchises, acclaimed films and series, global awards, exclusive premieres, and a range of dubbed content, Lionsgate Play promises an unmatched entertainment experience. This collaboration further expands Vi’s OTT portfolio, providing a premium, diverse library of Hollywood movies, original series, international titles, and more at an affordable price.

Vi Movies & TV is designed to cater to the diverse entertainment needs of consumers, via aggregation of the top OTTs through a single app and single subscription offering consumers the convenience to enjoy content from a wide range of OTTs. Users can explore a rich selection of content, ranging from Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, and ZEE5 to Fancode for Sports as well as regional content from Sun NXT, ManoramaMax, Nammaflix, Klikk, and Chaupal, and now the best of Hollywood with its latest addition – Lionsgate Play. It also offers 300+ Live TV Channels including 30+ Live News Channels. All this is available through the Vi Movies & TV app available for viewing on Smartphones, Smart TVs as well as Laptops & Tablets.

With Lionsgate Play, Vi Movies & TV users can now enjoy its extensive library of global hits, featuring blockbuster franchises like John Wick, The Hunger Games, and Saw, alongside standout titles such as Past Lives, Tokyo Vice, Paris Has Fallen, Normal People, Operation Fortune, Plane, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard, The Iron Claw, The Beekeeper, Arcadian, and more. Additionally, users will have access to prestigious award shows like the Primetime Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice, and BAFTA Awards, bringing the best of premium, world-class entertainment for Vi Movies & TV subscribers.

The partnership with Lionsgate Play is a testament to Vi’s continuing pursuit of innovation and commitment to delivering best-in-class entertainment. By continuously adding renowned platforms like Lionsgate Play to its offerings, Vi reaffirms its dedication to curating a rich and diverse content ecosystem tailored to the evolving tastes and preferences of Indian viewers.

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INDIA: Leading telecom operator Vi, today announced a significant step forward in protecting its users from spam. Starting today, the company is introducing a spam management solution powered by AI and ML. This new solution is designed to proactively detect and flag potential spam messages through a machine-based automated solution, helping Vi users maintain a secure and clutter-free mobile experience. Since its initial testing phase, the solution has already flagged over 24 million spam messages.

With spam messages on the rise, which are often used as a gateway to fraud, Vi’s Spam SMS solution will safeguard customers by identifying and managing unsolicited and potentially harmful text in real-time.

Speaking on the development, Jagbir Singh, CTO, of Vodafone Idea Limited, said: “As more customers embrace digital communication, we recognize the growing threat posed by SMS-based spams and potential scam attempts. Our AI-powered spam detection technology reinforces our commitment to customer safety by delivering proactive, real-time protection. Vi is focused on staying ahead of these threats and empowering customers with information to make their mobile experience safer.”

As part of its broader commitment to customer safety and experience, Vi is continuously working to develop solutions to curb spam, including voice calls, to ensure its users are further protected from unsolicited calls. These measures are in addition to various existing solutions and practices including making the mobile-app URL simple to use for filing spam complaints by enabling automatic pick up of spam content (SMS), sender number, and date, as well as whitelisting URLs in brand messages. Vi also uses insightful consumer feedback and complaints in conjunction with UCC (Unsolicited Commercial communication) detection, which identifies bulk call patterns (such as calls made from a single number to many distinct numbers) and limits their use to stop further abuse.

Recognizing the importance of customer education, Vi also regularly runs customer awareness campaigns to help users spot phishing attempts, report spam, and encourage overall caution. 

How Vi’s SMS spam solution works:

1. Real-time analysis: The system continuously analyzes incoming SMS messages using AI algorithms trained on millions of examples, identifying potential threats, including fraudulent links, unauthorized promotions, and identity theft attempts. Real-time monitoring allows for immediate action against suspicious activities.
2. Pattern Recognition: By leveraging sophisticated machine learning algorithms, the predictive system learns from incoming data patterns such as phishing links, unusual sender details, and phrases commonly used in spam messages to enhance its detection capabilities over time.
3. Spam tagging: Messages identified as spam will be tagged as ‘Suspected Spam’, to instantly warn the users, helping them make informed decisions about their communications. This intelligent approach not only enhances security but also ensures that genuine communications aren’t lost in a sea of unwanted messages.
4. Continuous improvements: Via Machine Learning, it will continually improve by adapting to new spam trends, improving accuracy and effectiveness. This means it evolves and adapts to new types of spam as they emerge, shielding users from new threats.

Benefits for customers

1. Enhanced safety: By flagging potentially harmful spam, the service empowers customers with the information of suspected spam messages, thus protecting them from potential phishing and scam attempts.
2. Seamless integration: The service is automatic and requires no setup, app installation, or payment from customers.

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This year’s IMC theme ‘The Future is Now’ resonates deeply with Vi’s emphasis on delivering immediate, technology-driven solutions that are solving today’s challenges and designed to make an immediate impact. Vi’s show-themed ‘Future is Live’ highlights how it is transforming the way people and businesses live, work, and connect with advanced technologies.

Small and medium enterprises play a vital role in India’s economic growth, however, many of them lack access to digital tools for accelerating their business growth. The company is demonstrating Vi Business’s ‘Ready for Next’ program, launched in 2022, that bridges this gap by offering free Digital Advisory Services and has partnered with 1.6 lac MSMEs across 16 sectors since its inception. It is showcasing its Digital Maturity Index from the ‘Ready For Next’ MSME Growth Insights Study (Volume 2.0 2024) that helps MSMEs understand their business’s digital readiness as well as provides sectoral insights.

Vi is also showcasing its remote healthcare technology solution – ‘Clinic in a Bag’, that allows doctors to assess and evaluate patients in real-time regardless of location, addressing the shortage of specialist manpower and equipment in remote areas, and making healthcare more accessible and affordable. With live feeds from a health camp at a village in Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh, Vi is demonstrating that with real-time diagnostic reports transmitted over Vi’s high-speed network to doctors sitting in any part of the world, informed consultations can be carried out over video call. The solution is capable of performing over 30 Point of Care medical tests—including vitals, cardiac and pulmonary function, blood tests, and screenings, offering a cost-effective alternative, with tests delivered for under ₹250 to the millions living in Rural India for whom accessibility to a primary healthcare center may be a challenge.

Akshaya Moondra, CEO, of Vi, said, “At Vi, we’re committed to harnessing the power of advanced connectivity to transform industries and improve lives. Our solutions being showcased at the IMC are designed to make a real-world impact and reflect our commitment to bring the future to life right now by creating a more connected, efficient world for all.”

Through live demonstrations and interactive experiences, IMC attendees can witness firsthand, how Vi’s advanced solutions are enhancing people’s daily lives, creating new experiences, and enabling organizations to enhance operational efficiency. In addition to the ‘Clinic in a Bag’ and ‘Ready for Next’ MSME program, other showcases include:

• Immersive Travel Experience – Vi has set up a state-of-the-art 360-degree immersive dome that transports the audiences into a different world, bringing to life the power of technology that can make people experience places or events, that they otherwise can’t due to health, economic, or climate / physical challenges. Vi is showcasing this by giving people an immersive experience of the ancient underwater city of Dwarka.
• Orchestrating Symphony: Vi also has music bands performing LIVE at the IMC, but, in a different manner. While some of the band members are performing LIVE at the Vi booth at the IMC, others are remotely connected over Vi’s low latency, high-speed network, and creating music that is in complete sync, showing how connectivity can enable the creators & the artist’s ecosystem. Game to Fame: Vi has a LIVE eSports tournament at its booth where everyday gamers compete amongst themselves as well as with some of India’s biggest gaming influencers (including Live Insaan, Rachitroo & the like)
• Industry 4.0 Solutions – Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vi, is showcasing Industry 4.0 solutions redefining business operations across industries by integrating 5G, IoT, AI, and Machine Learning to connect human and non-human assets, digitize processes, and enable real-time monitoring. This is demonstrated through a fabricated Smart Mine with multiple use cases depicting real-time monitoring of worksites, rapid response during emergencies, smart wearables, and safety management.
• Vi Hybrid SD-WAN with AI-powered security features – Here Vi Business is demonstrating the enhancement in their portfolio by integrating advanced AI-based security features, offering Indian enterprises a robust defense against the growing threat of cyber-attacks.
• CPaaS & CCaaS solutions powered by AI, showcase how enterprises can leverage AI capabilities to enhance customer interactions and streamline business operations.  AI helps human experts navigate complex conversations with customers and escalations are managed automatically for enhanced customer satisfaction thus enhancing operations & efficiency.

Visitors at the India Mobile Congress 2024 will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations of these solutions at the Vi booth, 5.3, highlighting how the future of connectivity is revolutionizing the way we live and work across the globe.

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INDIA: Celebrating India, leading telecom operator Vi launched its unique initiative, Artisans of India. This special initiative celebrated the craftsmanship and skills of local artisans, adding a vibrant touch across the country.

Vi helped provide a platform to over 60 talented artisans across its stores in multiple states. Vi Stores in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, New Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat collaborated with local NGOs to showcase artisans’ work to the public.  

These artisans, working with various crafts and traditions, showcased hand-painted bags, chikankari embroidery, paintings, toys, decorated diyas, and more.

Some NGOs Vi partnered with for this initiative included Universal Smile, ESSCENT, Astha Foundation’s Parivartan School for Specially-Abled Children, Shwwas Samiti-Swastik Handicraft Women Welfare Association, Disha Shakti Swayam Sahayta Samooh, and RAFEC. At Kolkata’s South City store, Universal Smile showcased hand-painted cloth bags made by women, with proceeds supporting an orphanage, while in Gujarat, the Astha Foundation worked with specially-abled children to create and showcase decorated Diyas.

This reflects Vi’s commitment to supporting local communities and preserving the rich artistic heritage of India. Through the Artisans of India initiative, Vi paid tribute to the cultures that unite us all. Vi remains committed to uplifting the artisans and craftsmen who contribute richly to the fabric of the nation.

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INDIA: Leading telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi), today announced that it has achieved SOC2 Type II attestation. Currently, the only telecom operator in India to complete the SOC 2 Type II attestation, this marks Vi’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data security and safeguarding sensitive client information and their privacy, while mitigating Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.

Awarded after a stringent evaluation process conducted by AICPA (Association of International Certified Professional Accountants) registered independent CPA and VISTA InfoSec is based on the SOC 2 “Trust Service” for managing customer data on key parameters like security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. The attestation demonstrates a company’s ability to not only implement critical security policies but also prove compliance over an extended period.

The SOC 2 Type II audit confirms that Vi’s internal controls, policies, and procedures conform to stringent security and operational standards. This implies that Vi has a robust design and operating effectiveness of its security controls along with the highest level of DDoS protection. It has a faster detection and response to any sort of security threat and thus is a reliable service provider for all businesses

Vi received SOC2 Type 1 attestation in 2022, which endorsed that the services provided by Vi to its customers are fully secure and compliant. Now with, SOC2 Type 2 attestation, it confirms that the company has been consistently adhering to the security processes and measures for 6 to 12 months.

Commenting on this attestation, Mathan Kasilingam, CTSO, Vi said, “Our customers trust us with their most sensitive and confidential data. This attestation reaffirms that our security measures meet best-in-class standards, thereby providing our customers with added confidence that their data is in safe hands.”

“SOC 2 compliance reflects our ongoing dedication to evolving our security practices alongside the ever-changing threat landscape. The support and commitment provided by the Vi team was remarkable and commendable,” added Narendra Sahoo, Founder & Director of VISTA InfoSec.

Vi remains steadfast in its mission to deliver innovative solutions while upholding the highest standards of integrity and security. With data security becoming increasingly critical in today’s digital landscape, Vi consistently makes efforts to strengthen its security posture and validate its position as a trusted custodian of customer data.

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INDIA: In the last few years, Azerbaijan has seen a tremendous influx of Indian tourists visiting the country. A recent study indicated that the number of Indian visitors traveling to Azerbaijan almost doubled to 120,000 in 2023, which is a 100% increase in tourism as compared to the previous year.*

To cater to this attractive destination, leading telecom operator Vi has announced new international roaming packs for Azerbaijan and 12 other African countries. Vi Postpaid users traveling to Azerbaijan and African countries such as Cameroon, Sudan, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, Liberia, (Equatorial) Guinea, Swaziland, South Sudan, Benin, Uganda, Zambia, and Guinea Bissau, can now enjoy seamless connectivity with international roaming packs starting at just Rs 749.

Vi Postpaid users will have a variety of options including a 24-hour pack, a 10-day pack, a 14-day pack, and a 30-day pack to stay connected while traveling abroad. Vi also has an ‘ALWAYS ON’ feature which protects users from high International Roaming Charges for any usage after pack expiry.

Vi is committed to providing the best international roaming packs tailored to meet the needs of every traveler. With these added countries, Vi users can avail hassle hassle-free international roaming packs at value prices in 117 countries worldwide.

To know more about Vi international roaming packs, click here: https://www.myvi.in/international-roaming-packs. You can also download the Vi App, and choose the perfect roaming plan to fuel your next adventure. The world awaits—let Vi be your guide to boundless exploration!

*According to a report by India Outbound Magazine

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INDIA: In the post Covid era, Indians have emerged as big globetrotters. This surge in travel, though positive, is accompanied with growing concerns for lost and mishandled baggage. Infact, a report by SITA the world’s leading specialist in airport transport communication and IT, found that over 26 million pieces of luggage were delayed, lost, or damaged in 2022.

Today, effective baggage management has become a crucial focus area to enhance the overall travel experience. As many are looking to devise solutions to prioritise safety of travellers baggage, Vi, a leading telecom operator, has become the first in its industry to partner with Blue Ribbon Bags, a US based lost baggage concierge service company, to offer a worry-free travel experience for Vi Postpaid international travellers.

Vi Postpaid users can pre-book an International Roaming (IR) Pack for travel planned before April 7, 2024 and avail of complimentary cover towards delayed or lost baggage. This service offers a compensation of Rs. 19,800 per bag in case the luggage is delayed or not found beyond 96 hours following a submission of the complaint. This exclusive offer is valid for a limited period on select unlimited international roaming plans namely 10 days @3999, 14 days @4999, and 30-days @5999 starting February 26, 2024, until March 21, 2024.

How it works?

Book Vi international roaming pack in advance by 21^st March 2024 for a travel date before 7^th April, 2024 and get free Blue Ribbon Bags service for your trip.-    Eligible on roaming packs 10 Days @ Rs.3999, 14 Days @ Rs.4999 and 30 Days @ Rs.5999-    Register with Blue ribbon bags before taking your flight.-    Check-in your bags at the airport-    If your bags are delayed or lost by the airline, file a report with the airline and Blue Ribbon Bags within 24 hours of landing.-    Blue Ribbon Bags will track and expedite the return of your bags using their global network and technology.-    If your bags are not returned to you within 4 days, Blue Ribbon Bags will pay you Rs 19,800 per bag, guaranteed, NO Questions asked. 

This partnership represents a significant step towards fulfilling the needs of modern travellers, offering them peace of mind and assurance during their international journeys. As Vi continues to prioritize customer-centric innovation, baggage protection services is yet another addition to our add on services and reinforces Vi’s commitment to delivering unmatched value and convenience to its customers.

In addition to this, Vi postpaid users can truly enjoy other benefits of Vi’s international roaming plans such as unlimited data and calls across 29 Countries, unlimited incoming calls in 100+ countries and 24/7 Live agent customer support via WhatsApp. To avail this service, click here: https://www.myvi.in/content/vodafoneideadigital/in/en/vil-homepage/static-pages/Travel-with-Vi-get-FREE-lost-baggage-protection.html  

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MUMBAI: To ensure seamless communication, connectivity, and public safety across the 95-kilometer expressway connecting Mumbai – Pune, Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Ltd. (MSRDC) has entered into an exclusive agreement with Vi, a leading telecom operator, to set up emergency calling booths across the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. As part of the agreement, Vi will be providing network support to all the emergency calling booths that have been set up every two kilometers, thus enabling commuters easy access to directly connect with the state highway police control room in case of any emergency.

As part of the agreement, Vi will ensure network saliency at each of the emergency calling booths, thus extending 24×7 public safety and anytime communication for commuters. The emergency calling booths and state highway police control room will be enabled with Vi SIM to maintain uniformity and avoid any network disruption, whereas MSRDC will manage other aspects such as maintaining the equipment and responding to or addressing the queries from commuters. 

Commenting on the partnership, Rohit Tandon, Cluster Business Head – Maharashtra & Goa, Vodafone Idea said “Mumbai-Pune Expressway is counted amongst the busiest highways in the state. As a leading telecom operator, we are honored to partner with MSRDC to enable ubiquitous connectivity for the public at large. Today, while most commuters have mobile phones, they might not be aware of whom to connect with or how to explain their location in times of distress. In certain emergencies, these emergency calling booths have proven to be a life-saving tool for establishing a fast and direct connection with the high patrol, especially in cases of medical situations, accidents, and vehicle breakdowns.”

Rajesh Patil, Jt. Managing Director, MSRDC Ltd. said, “We value our partnership with Vi for this important public service and look forward to a successful association with them. The commuter’s safety and security are of the utmost importance to us at MSRDC. The emergency calling booths are an important aspect of our continuous efforts to offer a secure travel experience on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Vi, as a leading telecom service provider, has the required expertise in maintaining stable and superior network experience along the route.”

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Vi customers can easily explore this gaming bonanza by navigating through the Vi Games section on the Vi App and diving into the Fun Games section. The Gameloft options on Vi Games have a fresh and easy-to-use look and feel and come with state-of-the-art anti-fraud detection and security solutions.

Vi’s partnership with Gameloft underscores its dedication to delivering immersive games, reaffirming its commitment to provide the best in category gaming options and experience to mobile gamers. The collaboration is one more significant step towards delivering an unparalleled gaming experience for Vi customers.

The current offering to subscribers is at no cost. Vi plans to launch a subscription-based service of Gameloft’s tournament-led service called Arena shortly.  

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Vi’s Deepawali initiative spanned across seven cities in Maharashtra, including Pune, Aurangabad, Nashik, Akola, Nagpur, Solapur, and Kolhapur. The campaign aimed to infuse the joy of giving during the festive period make people feel included and spread positivity.

Vi employees interacted with and presented gifts to local municipal workers, firefighters, traffic police, and hospital attendants, recognizing their efforts and contributions with gratitude. The initiative aimed to make their celebrations more memorable and spread festive cheer amongst these essential workers.

Vi employees also presented Deepawali sweets and gifts to transgender communities, senior citizen homes, and children from orphanages in Maharashtra, spreading joy and warmth to these communities.

Rohit Tandon, Cluster Business Head – Maharashtra & Goa, Vodafone Idea said, “The Festival of Lights is celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm across the country. In line with the philosophy of our ongoing campaign Be Someone’s We, this Deepawali, our efforts have been to make people feel included and spread positivity. We hope Vi inspires people to bring a little joy to someone’s lives and ensure that everyone has a truly happy festive season and no one feels left out or lonely”. 

The campaign, Be Someone’s We, reflects Vi’s commitment to sharing the spirit of togetherness and inclusivity with all members of society. Vi 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.

In conclusion, Vi’s Deepawali initiative aimed to spread festive cheer and inclusivity across Maharashtra, reflecting the company’s commitment to sharing the spirit of togetherness and inclusivity with all members of society. The campaign, Be Someone’s We, saw Vi employees interact with and present gifts to various communities and groups, including essential workers, transgender communities, senior citizen homes, and orphanages. Vi is committed to delivering delightful customer experiences and contributing towards creating a truly ‘Digital India.’

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