Bharti Airtel has responded to inquiries from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), confirming that the newly launched Priority Postpaid service complies with net neutrality standards.
Through a formal communication, Airtel reassured that its 5G network slicing technology adheres to all regulatory requirements and does not negatively impact prepaid subscribers.
As per news reports, on May 25, Airtel submitted a detailed letter to the DoT, articulating that the Priority Postpaid service is designed within the net neutrality framework.
The company emphasised that the service involves no blocking, throttling, or preferential treatment of any content or application.
According to Airtel, adherence to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and DoT guidelines remains intact.
Airtel further clarified that Priority Postpaid aims to optimise network performance and enhance customer experience without discriminating against any user segment, including prepaid subscribers.
The launch of the Priority Postpaid plan on May 19 drew some criticism from industry observers, who expressed concerns about potential net neutrality breaches due to Airtel's use of 5G slicing technology.
However, Airtel has firmly denied these allegations, categorising the service as a network-efficiency enhancement meant to improve overall service quality.
5G slicing, a technique employed by Airtel, allows the creation of multiple virtual networks within a single 5G infrastructure.
Each slice offers specific performance metrics such as increased speed or reduced latency, enabling tailored services for different applications.
Airtel insists that this innovation enhances network efficacy without compromising prepaid users' experience.
Read More: Airtel Introduces India's 1st 5G Slicing-Based 'Priority Postpaid' Service for Premium Users!
Data from Airtel's live network trials indicate that Priority Postpaid has enhanced service quality while leaving prepaid users' experience intact.
As per Airtel, prepaid and other non-priority traffic retain ample network capacity. The utilisation of Airtel's 5G network peaks at about 38%, with postpaid traffic representing roughly 4% of this usage.
This allocation refutes claims of prepaid service degradation.
Airtel highlighted its investment of nearly ₹83,000 crore in network infrastructure over the past 3 years to bolster service quality and coverage.
Moreover, Airtel stated its commitment to preserving a robust prepaid user experience, which accounts for 92% of its mobile customer base and significantly contributes to revenue.
As of May 26, 2026, at 2:01 PM, Bharti Airtel share price on NSE was trading at ₹1,855.70 down by 1.02% from the previous closing price.
Airtel maintains that its Priority Postpaid service complies with established net neutrality rules, offering network efficiency enhancements without disadvantaging any user group. The company's focus on substantial investment in infrastructure underscores its dedication to delivering superior service.
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Published on: May 26, 2026, 3:31 PM IST
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