Vodafone Idea questions Airtel’s ‘Priority Postpaid’, says every customer deserves equal network experience

A fresh debate around net neutrality and equal internet access has erupted in India’s telecom sector after Bharti Airtel launched its new “Priority Postpaid” service powered by 5G network slicing technology.

Rival telecom operator Vodafone Idea on Wednesday raised concerns over the concept of offering “preferential speeds or services” to select customers, warning that such practices could undermine the principles of an equal digital ecosystem.

In a statement issued on May 27, Vodafone Idea Chief Marketing Officer Avneesh Khosla said India’s digital growth story had been built on affordable connectivity and equal access for all users.

“Every customer deserves a fair and consistent network experience,” Khosla said, adding that offering preferential speeds or services based on user profiles raises important questions around equity and the broader principles of a non-discriminatory internet ecosystem.

In a sharp response to Airtel’s newly launched “Priority Postpaid” service, the company said there should be no “network class divide” in the telecom sector and stressed that every customer deserves the same network experience. Highlighting its infrastructure expansion, Vi said it is strengthening its network with over 2.2 lakh towers across the country, rolling out Vi 5G in more than 110 cities, and deploying AI-powered self-optimising network technology to improve connectivity even in crowded areas. “Because a stronger network should feel strong for everyone, everywhere,” the company said in its statement, accompanied by the hashtag #ChangeToVi.

What Airtel’s new service offers

The comments come shortly after Airtel unveiled its “Priority Postpaid” offering, which uses 5G network slicing technology to provide what the company describes as a more stable and reliable network experience during periods of congestion.

The service is currently available across Airtel’s postpaid plans priced between Rs 449 and Rs 1,749 and is powered by what the company calls “Fastlane” capabilities enabled through network slicing.

Network slicing is a 5G technology that allows telecom operators to create dedicated virtual segments within a network for different types of users or services, enabling differentiated performance and quality assurance.

Airtel has positioned the offering as a premium service aimed at improving connectivity reliability for customers willing to pay higher tariffs.

Net neutrality concerns emerge

The launch has triggered wider discussions over whether differentiated quality of service for paying subscribers could conflict with India’s net neutrality framework, which requires telecom operators to treat internet traffic in a fair and non-discriminatory manner.

According to multiple reports, government officials and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India are examining the offering and its implications under existing telecom regulations.

Critics argue that paid prioritisation models could eventually create a two-tier internet ecosystem where users paying higher tariffs receive better network experiences than others.

Supporters of the technology, however, contend that 5G network slicing is a globally accepted capability that enables operators to improve efficiency and guarantee service quality for specific use cases without discriminating against websites, apps or online content.

Airtel defends offering

Airtel has defended the service, saying the prioritisation occurs only at the network layer and is not linked to any specific website, platform or application.

According to the company, the service does not violate net neutrality norms because all internet content remains equally accessible and there is no discrimination between online services or apps.

The telecom operator maintains that the technology is intended to optimise network management and improve customer experience during heavy traffic conditions.

Telecom firms seek new 5G monetisation models

The controversy also highlights the growing pressure on telecom companies to identify new monetisation opportunities from their massive 5G investments.

India’s telecom operators have spent billions of dollars on spectrum purchases and network rollouts over the past few years while facing slowing tariff growth and rising capital expenditure requirements.

Industry experts say telecom companies are increasingly exploring premium services, enterprise offerings and differentiated connectivity products to improve returns on 5G investments.

The debate around Airtel’s “Priority Postpaid” service is expected to become a key test case for how India balances technological innovation, commercial flexibility and the principle of equal internet access in the 5G era.