Airtel Clears Confusion Around Unlimited 5G Plans
Bharti Airtel has clarified that the unlimited 5G data offered under its eligible prepaid and postpaid plans is intended only for usage on the smartphone itself and cannot be shared with other devices through a mobile hotspot. The clarification comes after several users reported that hotspot data was not working despite having unlimited 5G benefits.
Hotspot Usage Not Covered Under Unlimited Benefit
According to Airtel’s terms and conditions, the unlimited 5G benefit applies only to data consumed directly on the 5G-enabled handset. If users enable a mobile hotspot to connect laptops, tablets, or other devices, that data usage is deducted from their regular plan quota instead of the unlimited 5G allowance.
Fair Usage Policy Also Applies
In addition to the hotspot restriction, Airtel’s unlimited 5G plans are subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). Users can consume up to 300 GB of high-speed 5G data during a billing cycle. Once this limit is reached, the unlimited high-speed benefit no longer applies until the next cycle begins.
Users Express Disappointment
The clarification has disappointed many subscribers who expected unlimited 5G data to work seamlessly across multiple devices via hotspot. Several users took to social media, arguing that the restrictions reduce the practical value of the “unlimited” offering, particularly for those who rely on mobile hotspots for work, online classes, or travel.
Airtel Sticks To Existing Policy
Despite the criticism, Airtel has maintained that these conditions have always been part of its unlimited 5G offering. Customers planning to use large amounts of data on laptops or other connected devices are advised to check their plan benefits carefully, as hotspot usage will consume their standard data quota rather than the unlimited 5G allowance.
Summary
Airtel has confirmed that its unlimited 5G benefit cannot be used through a mobile hotspot. The unlimited data applies only to the smartphone, while hotspot usage consumes the regular data allowance. The plans also include a 300 GB Fair Usage Policy limit per billing cycle, prompting mixed reactions from subscribers expecting unrestricted data sharing.
