Bharti Airtel defends ‘Priority Postpaid’ service amid net neutrality concerns

The telecom operator told a DoT panel that its new 5G-based Priority Postpaid service uses content-neutral network slicing technology and does not compromise internet quality or create discrimination against prepaid mobile users.

Telecom operator Bharti Airtel has defended its recently introduced “Priority Postpaid” service before a Department of Telecommunications (DoT) panel, maintaining that the offering complies with India’s net neutrality regulations and does not discriminate against users.

The company recently rolled out the premium 5G service to deliver more stable and reliable connectivity for postpaid subscribers, particularly during periods of network congestion. The offering is based on 5G network slicing technology, which allows telecom operators to create virtual layers within the same network infrastructure to support differentiated service experiences.

According to Airtel, the technology has been deployed in a content-neutral manner and does not involve any form of website blocking, application throttling, or content-specific prioritisation. The company stated that the service is intended to improve network efficiency and support users requiring uninterrupted connectivity for activities such as online meetings, gaming, entertainment, and enterprise applications.

Concerns over net neutrality compliance

The launch of the service triggered discussions around whether prioritising postpaid subscribers could conflict with India’s net neutrality framework, which requires telecom operators to treat all internet traffic equally without favouring particular services, applications, or user categories.

Government authorities and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are reportedly reviewing the technical and regulatory implications of the offering. A parliamentary standing committee led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has also begun examining whether the service aligns with existing telecom regulations and non-discrimination principles.

In its submission to the DoT panel, Airtel argued that the service does not reduce network quality for prepaid users. The company reportedly stated that peak-hour 5G network utilisation currently remains well below capacity levels and that postpaid users account for only a small portion of overall traffic on the network.

Industry experts offer mixed views

Industry experts remain divided on the issue. Some analysts believe the service remains compliant with net neutrality rules because the prioritisation is not linked to specific apps, platforms, or content providers. Others, however, have raised concerns that customer-level prioritisation could gradually lead to a tiered internet ecosystem where premium subscribers consistently receive superior network experiences.

Rival telecom operator Reliance Jio has reportedly supported the broader use of network slicing technology, stating that differentiated services can coexist with net neutrality norms if implemented transparently and without content-based discrimination.

The final decision by the DoT and TRAI is expected to influence how telecom operators deploy advanced 5G and future 6G technologies in India, particularly in the area of premium connectivity services.