Airtel launches ‘priority postpaid’ with 5G slicing technology

Bharti Airtel introduced 'Priority Postpaid,' a premium postpaid service leveraging 5G network slicing technology, marking an industry first in India. The service dynamically allocates network resources to ensure stable connectivity for users during peak traffic, targeting professionals and entertainment-focused customers who rely on uninterrupted service. Airtel claims this is the first commercial deployment of slicing-based 5G for consumers in India, following similar implementations in the US, Singapore, the UK, and Malaysia. The company upgraded its 5G infrastructure to support dedicated virtual network segments, improving efficiency and prioritizing premium users. The service will be available across Airtel’s postpaid plans, starting at Rs. 449 plus GST for individuals and up to Rs. 1,749 plus GST for family plans. Existing postpaid users will automatically receive the upgrade, while prepaid customers can migrate via the Airtel app or retail stores. Compatibility requires 5G standalone-enabled smartphones with updated software. Shashwat Sharma, MD & CEO of Airtel, stated that the service reflects the company’s commitment to innovation, enhancing customer experience through 5G slicing technology. Industry experts view network slicing as a key application of standalone 5G, enabling tailored capacity allocation for different user needs. Airtel’s move aims to differentiate its offerings in a competitive market, ensuring reliable connectivity for critical tasks like work calls, streaming, and online collaboration in crowded areas. The launch underscores the operator’s focus on delivering superior network performance for premium subscribers.