Vi Veiled Dig at Airtel Priority Postpaid

New Delhi, May 28 (PTI) Beleaguered telecom firm Vodafone Idea took a veiled dig at Airtel's Priority Postpaid service across social media platforms calling subscribers to switch to its network as it gives priority to everyone.

Airtel had launched "Priority Postpaid" plans on May 19, which promises consistent speed even in crowded markets for postpaid customers. The plan has triggered a debate on whether such plans violate the rule of net neutrality framework.

Airtel promises that 5G "Priority Postpaid" will provide a "fastlane" to subscribers with use of network slicing technology even during peak traffic time by dynamically separating a portion of the network for them from other categories of telecom services.

Vodafone Idea in social media posts said "Na Kisi ko kum Na zyada (neither anyone gets less nor more). Sabko equal network ka vaada (promise of equal network for everyone). Strong Network Sabka Haq (everyone's right). Change to Vi."

While Airtel has pan-India 5G network, Vi has 5G network in over 110 cities.

"Everyone is a priority with Vi. That's why we're continuously strengthening our network -- we have added 2,20,000+ new towers, expanded Vi 5G in 110+ cities, and AI-based self-optimizing network technology that intelligently adapts to help deliver stronger connectivity -- even in crowded areas," Vi said.

Vi aims to spend Rs 45,000 crore in capex to improve its network and remain competitive in the market. The company is in talks with banks to raise Rs 25,000 crore debt, which it plans to use for network expansion.


An email query sent to Airtel in this regard elicited no immediate response.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, headed by BJP leader Nishikant Dubey, noted that the priority post-paid plan of certain telecom operators could compromise net neutrality of crores of pre-paid mobile users.

Airtel in its recent submission before the panel has defended its Priority Postpaid plans asserting that the offering, powered by 5G network slicing, neither violates net neutrality norms nor degrades service quality for prepaid users.

Airtel in the submission said Priority Postpaid does not degrade the quality of service for its approximately 344 million prepaid subscribers.

"Airtel Priority feature does not degrade the quality of service for any customer, whether prepaid or postpaid," the company said in the submission.

It has also warned that not allowing the use of mainstream features of 5G like slicing technology to offer services will jeopardise the potential of 6G in the country.

On the other hand, Airtel rival Jio, in its submission, has favoured the launching of such a service only after due examination by the Department of Telecom and competent government authorities against net neutrality principles.