The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has ruled out findings of violation of net neutrality rules in Bharti Airtel’s recently launched Priority Postpaid plans that use 5G network slicing technology.
The regulatory authority is continuing its examination to determine whether the service could affect the quality of experience available to other 5G users.
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TRAI Seeks More Data as Scrutiny Continues
The regulator has sought additional information and clarifications from Airtel regarding service quality and network performance.
Officials are examining whether reserving network resources for a specific subscriber category could affect other customers during periods of high traffic. No timeline has been fixed for concluding the review.
“According to initial findings, there is no specific evidence that suggests that Airtel’s new strategy breaches India’s net neutrality framework. TRAI is expected to continue monitoring the service and seek further data if required.”
-said TRAI officials
The development comes while the policy is under debate over the use of advanced 5G capabilities to deliver differentiated service experiences while maintaining equal access principles for all internet users.
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Airtel Defends Service Amid Industry Debate
Bharti Airtel launched its’ priority postpaid plans’ in May, promising a consistent and stable connectivity during network congestion through 5G network slicing.
The company maintains that the service is content-neutral and does not involve blocking, throttling or preferential treatment of specific applications or websites.
The telecom operator has also stated that the offering does not degrade network performance for prepaid or non-priority users. Airtel argues that network slicing is a standard 5G capability that enables operators to create virtual network segments for different service requirements.
The issue has also attracted the attention of policymakers.
A Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology also reviewed the matter. They have requested details from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TRAI regarding the consequences of 5G network slicing and the compatibility with net neutrality principles.
The outcome of the review could influence how telecom operators deploy premium 5G services in India as networks evolve and demand for differentiated enterprise and consumer services grows.
Samarjit Kaur is a journalist and communications professional covering technology & emerging digital trends. With a focus on clarity and context, she reports on developments shaping industries and governance. When not reporting, she chooses to plug-in and relax on her playlists and plan her next bucket-list trips!
