In pics | From Max Touch to Vodafone Idea, the long and complicated history of Vi India

SUMMARY

Vodafone Idea launched a unified brand "Vi" today marking the completion of the merger between two telecom companies. Here is a look at the entire history of the brand.

By Pradeep Suresh Sept 7, 2020 7:23:52 PM IST (Published)

Hutchison Max Telecom Ltd (HMTL), a joint venture between Hutchison Whampoa and the Max Group, was established on February 21, 1992.

The cellular service branded "Max Touch" was launched in 1994 after a licence to operate in Mumbai (then Bombay) circle was awarded to Hutchison Max by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in November 1994.

It was rebranded Hutch after it expanded its operations across the country.

HMTL was renamed Hutchison Essar Limited (HEL) in August 2005.

In July 2011, Vodafone Group bought the mobile phone business of its partner Essar.

A newly-merged entity named Vodafone Idea Limited was established in August 2018 after Vodafone and idea merged to counter Jio.

Vodafone Idea re-branded "Vi" on September 7 marking the completion of the merger between the two telecom companies.