Reliance Jio sent a formal letter to Departamento from Telecomunicações from Índia on May 25 stating that the deployment of network slicing-based services is a “legitimate exercise” of 5G capabilities. The document was filed days after Bharti Airtel launched its “Priority Postpaid” plan using the same technology, generating debate about compliance with net neutrality rules.
The operator, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, argued that network slicing represents an important technological advancement defined by the 3GPP international standard for 5G SA networks. Segundo the company, the prevailing regulatory framework, including the Licença Unificada conditions and the Autoridade Reguladora Telecomunicações Índia (TRAI) regulations, expressly permits such service offerings.
Network Fatiamento Meets Public Connectivity Demands
Jio stated that different slices for different business classes or verticals comply with net neutrality requirements. The company highlighted that differential charging based on preferential slicing should be justified only by transparent and technically sound traffic management requirements independent of specific applications.
The technology enables dynamic and intelligent allocation of spectral resources, optimizing the efficient use of existing infrastructure. Especialistas claim that 5G slicing prevents general congestion by keeping the standard public internet fast and stable for all users.
Airtel defends plan and denies violation of neutrality
Bharti Airtel, led by Sunil Mittal, launched the “Priority Postpaid” service on May 19 starting at ₹449. The plan comes included in postpaid packages and offers additional subscriptions to streaming services, cloud storage and family benefits. The operator sent a 5-page presentation arguing that the measure is technologically neutral in relation to content and is fully in compliance with current laws.
“There is no blocking, speed limiting, prioritization of specific content, exemption from fees or preferential treatment of any application,” stated Airtel. The company argues that the implementation improves the overall efficiency of the network and increases the quality of service for postpaid subscribers. Atualmente, the plan is under review by Departamento of Telecomunicações.
Carrier Associação Considers Regulatory Compliant Technology
SP Kochhar, general director of Associação of Operadoras Celulares of Índia (COAI), stated that spectrum slicing in general would not violate network neutrality considering prices and quality of service. The association represents three major operators: Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi).
Anupam Shrivastava, former president of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and senior consultant, stated that the technology uses advanced spectrum optimization to reduce overall congestion while maintaining content-agnostic operation. Segundo experts, 5G networks employ intelligent and dynamic resource allocation while spectrum slicing optimizes existing spectrum efficiently.
Histórico of restrictions on price differentiation
TRAI restricted data pricing differentiation in 2016 after the launch of Free Basics and Airtel Zero services. Essa decision set an important precedent in regulating net neutrality in the country. The current debate on 5G slicing revives questions about the extent to which operators can differentiate services while maintaining regulatory compliance.
The central question involves determining whether the technology represents legitimate innovation in network efficiency or whether it constitutes a violation of equal access principles. Reguladores Indians evaluate whether slicing is a technical optimization tool or an instrument of restrictive commercial differentiation.
Next steps include technical and regulatory analysis of Departamento and Telecomunicações. The country’s three largest operators are awaiting a clear definition of limits and permissions for the use of 5G technology on a commercial scale:
- Reliance Jio defends technical legitimacy and regulatory compliance
- Bharti Airtel has implemented service and awaits official approval
- Vodafone Idea follows competitive developments
- TRAI sets milestones for neutrality in fifth generation networks
- Departamento of Telecomunicações Conducts Regulatory Assessment