For the past two days, social media has been abuzz with speculation that Airtel might soon impose limits on 5G usage through mobile hotspots for its customers.
Across various platforms, users have been discussing a possible policy change by Airtel, sparking concerns among telecom subscribers about higher internet bills or the need to switch to another service provider.
Airtel now has clarified in its terms and conditions that subscribers cannot use the unlimited 5G benefit for hotspot data sharing.
This clarification follows widespread assumptions among customers that their unlimited 5G plans would include internet sharing with laptops, tablets, and other devices.
In reality, Airtel’s policy specifies that the unlimited 5G data benefit is restricted to personal use on the smartphone containing the eligible SIM and cannot be used via mobile hotspot.
Bharti Airtel has formally revised the fine print on its website to specify that its promotional “Unlimited 5G Data” offer cannot be shared via mobile hotspots.
This clear provision resolves a long-standing ambiguity for users, legally confirming that the data benefit is restricted to use on smartphones only.
How it works now: When you enable your mobile hotspot to connect a laptop, tablet, or another phone, the data used by that secondary device does not come from your unlimited 5G data. Instead, it immediately consumes your primary daily 4G data quota, such as your usual 1.5GB or 2GB per day limit.
Handset Only Rule: Airtel clearly specifies that the 5G data benefit is meant solely for personal, non-commercial use on the smartphone in which the SIM is inserted. The company also applies a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) limit of 300GB per month directly on that handset.
In addition to limits on tethering, the terms and conditions restate a commercial fair usage policy (FUP) cap that has applied to the unlimited plan since it was introduced.
Despite being promoted as offering unrestricted access, Airtel imposes a 300GB data limit per month within any 30-day billing period.
The company reserves the legal authority to suspend, slow down, or modify network access for users suspected of fraudulent activity or of using regular mobile plans as a long-term replacement for fixed home broadband.
On the social media platform, users have been discussing the proposed changes for the past two days, with one user sharing a screenshot of Airtel’s changed policy before official confirmation.
The limitation has ignited online debate, with numerous users asking why hotspot use is not included in the unlimited data offering.
India is largest exporter of services accounting for more than 50% of its GDP, and is home to large number of IT professional. This decision will surely impact the internet bills of the Airtel users.
One X user wrote that they need a mobile hotspot to use their laptop for work. The person explained, “The only way to get the internet on my laptop is by using my phone’s hotspot. If even that isn’t allowed, then how am I supposed to use the data on my PC?”
Meanwhile, another user commented and asked others about their plans to switch to Jio.
Do you think this is a right move? Or are you going to switch to Jio after this circular?
Jio follows a different strategy. With eligible plans in areas covered by True 5G, you can share unlimited 5G data via mobile hotspot. Jio also does not mention any limits on 5G data usage in its terms and conditions.
Likewise, Vi’s terms and conditions for unlimited 5G data do not mention any limitations on hotspot usage. However, they impose a 300GB cap for each 28-day cycle.
