Airtel Priority Postpaid exposes blind spot in net neutrality framework

By using 5G network slicing, Airtel is testing whether differentiated connectivity can coexist with India's content-neutral net neutrality framework

For nearly a decade, India’s net neutrality framework has largely focused on one concern: preventing telecom operators from favouring certain websites, apps or online services over others. The debate that shaped India’s internet policy revolved around questions such as whether telecom operators could prioritise one app over another, slow down specific services, or offer differential pricing linked to content.

 

Airtel’s new Priority Postpaid plans raise a different question altogether: can telecom operators offer a better network experience to one group of subscribers if they are willing to pay for it?

 

The distinction may seem subtle, but it sits at the heart of the debate surrounding Airtel’s use of 5G network slicing technology. It also helps explain why regulators, telecom operators and policy experts appear to be viewing the issue differently from earlier net neutrality controversies.