Industry experts have said that Bharti Airtel’s latest 5G network slicing upgrade enhances network efficiency and capacity without violating net neutrality norms, even as the technology sparks debate within the telecom sector.
As part of its network evolution strategy, Airtel recently introduced 5G slicing capabilities and launched its new “Priority Postpaid” service. According to industry executives, the upgrade enables advanced spectrum management, creating additional network capacity that can be used to deliver a better experience for priority customers while remaining content and application agnostic.
Experts noted that the technology does not favor or restrict specific websites, applications, or services. Instead, it uses intelligent resource allocation to reduce congestion and improve overall network performance. They argued that this approach helps maintain a stable and efficient internet experience for all users.
Former BSNL Chairman and telecom advisor Anupam Shrivastava stated that Airtel’s 5G slicing framework complies with existing net neutrality guidelines because it treats all applications equally while optimizing network resources more effectively.
However, some industry observers have raised concerns that premium network experiences could challenge the spirit of net neutrality. In response, telecom experts emphasized that network slicing is non-discriminatory and available to eligible customers through Airtel’s postpaid plans rather than being tied to specific content providers.
Telecom industry bodies have also supported the technology, stating that network slicing is designed to unlock the full benefits of 5G while ensuring efficient use of available spectrum. Similar slicing-based 5G services have already been introduced in countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia.
The debate comes as India’s telecom sector continues to uphold strong net neutrality regulations introduced to prevent internet service providers from blocking, throttling, or prioritizing content based on commercial arrangements. Regulatory guidelines have consistently maintained that such services should not compromise internet accessibility or overall service quality.
Meanwhile, Reliance Jio has also indicated plans to launch premium 5G services powered by network slicing once regulatory clarity is established.
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