Bharti Airtel has quietly made a significant change to its Unlimited 5G (UL 5G) booster packs, decreasing the included high-speed data advantages while retaining Unlimited 5G access. This action, which effectively increases the cost per GB for consumers, indicates a delicate yet significant pricing change preceding a more extensive price revision in 2025.
The change impacts customers with lower daily data plans, namely 1GB and 1.5GB speeds. Though Unlimited 5G access is still offered, the significantly lowered base data makes these packages less appealing than they used to be.
What are Airtel’s UL 5G Add-On Packs?
In July 2024, Airtel launched UL 5G booster packs to support users who are not qualified for Unlimited 5G with regular plans that include 2GB daily or higher. Customers on daily plans of 1GB or 1.5GB could enhance their service with UL 5G add-ons.
The three UL 5G add-on packs are priced at:
- Rs 51
- Rs 101
- Rs 151
These packs provide Unlimited 5G data for the remaining duration of the user’s active base plan, applicable only within Airtel 5G coverage zones and subject to a Fair Usage Policy (FUP).
What Has Changed Now?
Upon launch, Airtel included substantial one-time perks with these packages. Airtel has significantly reduced the bundled data by almost two-thirds, which represents a clear downgrade for users mindful of value.
Old vs New Data Benefits
| Pack Price | Earlier Data | Revised Data |
| Rs 51 | 3GB | 1GB |
| Rs 101 | 6GB | 2GB |
| Rs 151 | 9GB | 3GB |
When the bundled data limit is used up, customers are charged 50 paise per MB, which can accumulate swiftly for heavy users. Crucially, these add-on packs are displayed only when the user is on an eligible base plan, so casual users might not see these options unless they meet the criteria.
Unlimited 5G Still Exists, But With Limits
Despite the data reduction, Airtel still provides Unlimited 5G access via these add-ons. Nonetheless, it is regulated by a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) of 300GB over a period of 30 days. Although this appears generous in theory, Airtel’s policy permits all data, both base plan and additional data, to be used over the 5G network.
Due to the much higher speeds of 5G, users frequently consume data at a faster rate than anticipated. Tasks such as 4K streaming, cloud gaming, and substantial downloads can lead users to reach the FUP limit faster than expected.
Why does this matter to Users?
This change is essentially a covert increase in tariffs. Airtel hasn’t raised the pack prices, but reducing bundled data has significantly diminished the overall value. For users relying on the initial data buffer before transitioning to Unlimited 5G, the experience has become significantly less forgiving.
For users on daily plans of 1GB or 1.5GB, these updates may result in quicker depletion of their daily data limit, particularly when using high-speed 5G networks. With the diminished bundled data on UL 5G add-ons, users are more prone to reach their limits earlier, raising the chance of pay-per-MB fees. Moreover, the reduced size of the data buffer limits flexibility during transitions between 4G and 5G networks, complicating users’ ability to manage their usage seamlessly throughout the day.
The Bigger Picture: A Sign of 2025 Tariff Trends?
Airtel’s initiative aligns with a wider industry trend in which telecom companies are enhancing revenue without increasing headline prices. Operators can enhance margins by adjusting benefits instead of prices, thus steering clear of consumer backlash.
With increasing 5G adoption and surging data consumption, these quiet changes might become more frequent in 2025.
Final Thought
Airtel’s initiative aligns with wider industry trends in which telecom companies are enhancing revenue without increasing headline prices. Operators can enhance margins by adjusting benefits instead of prices, thus steering clear of consumer backlash.
With increasing 5G adoption and surging data consumption, these quiet changes might become more frequent in 2025.