Summary:
India’s telecom sector is witnessing a divide over 5G monetisation strategies, with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio supporting premium 5G priority services through network slicing, while Vodafone Idea has opposed the concept, citing concerns over digital equality and net neutrality. The debate intensified after Airtel launched its “Priority Postpaid” plans, offering enhanced connectivity for premium users. Jio has defended network slicing as a legitimate 5G capability under existing regulations, arguing that differentiated services are acceptable if traffic management remains transparent and technically justified. Vi, however, maintains that all users should receive equal network access regardless of spending capacity.
India’s leading telecom companies are taking contrasting positions on the future of 5G monetisation. While Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio are supporting premium priority-based 5G services for higher-paying customers, Vodafone Idea has opposed the concept, cautioning that it could lead to a divided internet ecosystem with unequal access.
The disagreement marks an unusual shift in the telecom sector, as Vi has historically aligned with Airtel on several regulatory issues, particularly in opposition to Jio on matters such as spectrum pricing and tariff regulations. However, the current debate has placed Airtel and Jio together as Parliament reviews whether 5G network slicing services are consistent with net neutrality guidelines.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Jio submitted a detailed response on 5G slicing and net neutrality to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, supporting the deployment of such services under existing telecom regulations. In its submission dated May 25, the company stated that network slicing-based offerings are a valid application of 5G capabilities, provided they comply with Unified Licence conditions and TRAI norms.
The telecom operator further maintained that creating separate network slices for different user groups or enterprise sectors does not breach net neutrality, as long as traffic management practices remain transparent, technically justified, and independent of specific applications.
The issue gained momentum after Airtel introduced its ‘Priority Postpaid’ plans on May 19, becoming the first telecom company in India to commercially launch a consumer-focused 5G slicing service. The plans are designed to provide premium users with faster and more reliable connectivity, especially in congested areas. Network slicing, one of the key features of 5G technology, allows operators to divide a single physical network into multiple virtual segments dedicated to selected users or applications without requiring separate infrastructure.
Defending the service before a telecom policy panel, Airtel argued that network slicing enhances overall efficiency and does not negatively impact prepaid subscribers. The company stated that its 5G network is currently operating at only 38 per cent capacity, leaving sufficient bandwidth to support all users effectively.
Vi, however, has publicly promoted the idea of maintaining an “equal network for all,” arguing that prioritising users based on payment capability raises concerns around fairness and digital inclusion. Avneesh Khosla said every customer should receive a consistent and equitable network experience.
