Bharti Airtel has renamed its Priority Postpaid service to Fast Lane while continuing to offer the same 5G network-slicing technology designed to deliver enhanced speeds and connectivity for postpaid users.
The telecom operator has replaced all references to Priority Postpaid with Fast Lane across its website and mobile app. Users have also reported that the service indicator on their devices now displays Fast Lane instead of the previous branding.
Airtel clarified that the service itself has not been withdrawn. According to the company, the change is limited to branding following the completion of its launch campaign. The operator stated that postpaid users enrolled in the plan continue to benefit from dedicated network slicing, faster speeds, unlimited data, and an enhanced service experience on compatible 5G devices.
The company said its standalone 5G network and slicing technology have improved overall network efficiency. Airtel maintained that prepaid users continue to receive the same level of service as before the introduction of the technology and that the deployment has not affected their network experience.
Airtel also noted that relevant performance data has been shared with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai). The company argued that its use of network slicing aligns with practices adopted in markets such as the United States, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Singapore.
The development comes as Trai continues to review the offering amid concerns that prioritised network access could impact service quality for non-priority users. Reports indicate that the regulator will continue monitoring tariff plans, service quality, and seek additional information from operators when necessary.
The debate began after Airtel introduced its Priority Postpaid plans on May 19, extending 5G network-slicing technology to consumer postpaid subscribers. While the technology is widely used for enterprise applications, its introduction in consumer plans reignited discussions around net neutrality.
Critics argue that premium fast-lane services could potentially favor paying customers by allocating a larger share of network resources. Vodafone Idea has opposed the concept, stating that preferential speeds based on user profiles raise concerns about fairness and an equal digital ecosystem. Reliance Jio, meanwhile, has acknowledged that existing regulations permit network-slicing services but has emphasized that any differential charging should be supported by transparent and technically justified traffic-management requirements.
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