Airtel users surprised by unlimited 5G terms: Data cannot be shared via hotspot; some plans have a 300GB limit..
Recharging your phone with a 5G plan offers a significant advantage: you can turn on your phone's hotspot to access unlimited internet for free on laptops and smart TVs, or connect the phones of other family members to the internet. Currently, however, only Jio offers this specific benefit to its 5G users. Recent reports have shed light on the reality behind Airtel's "Unlimited 5G" internet offering.
While Airtel claims to provide unlimited 5G internet with certain plans, a closer look at the terms and conditions revealed a different story. Furthermore, if you use Airtel 5G, you cannot share the internet with other devices via a hotspot. Let’s take a look at the specific terms and conditions governing Airtel's 5G internet service that have become a topic of discussion online.
**Internet Cannot Be Accessed via Hotspot**
If you are planning to use Airtel's unlimited 5G plan to access the internet on a laptop, tablet, or other device via a mobile hotspot, it is not possible. According to the company's terms, unlimited 5G data cannot be shared with other devices through a mobile hotspot. In other words, the benefit of the 5G data is restricted solely to the phone on which the plan is active.
This issue came to light when some users on X (formerly Twitter) shared screenshots of the official rules for Airtel 5G internet. These clearly state that sharing unlimited 5G data via a hotspot is not permitted and that the 5G data is intended strictly for personal use. After the screenshots went viral, many users expressed that they were unaware of this rule and argued that such conditions should be clearly communicated when the plans are being promoted.
5G Data Capped at 300 GB
Some users have reported that while certain Airtel prepaid plans offer "unlimited" 4G and 5G data, usage is actually capped at 300 GB within 30 days. Exceeding this 300 GB limit is classified as commercial use. Following this revelation, many users questioned why a data limit exists when the plan is marketed as unlimited.
User Dissatisfaction on Social Media
Users expressed their displeasure on social media after learning about the hotspot restrictions and the 300 GB cap. Many argue that labeling data as "unlimited" is misleading if it cannot be shared with other devices.
Some users noted that they rely on mobile hotspots because their laptops lack SIM card slots; consequently, these restrictions cause them significant inconvenience.
Meanwhile, others compared Airtel to Jio, pointing out that despite Airtel's plans being more expensive, they impose restrictions like data caps and hotspot limitations, rendering the "unlimited" claim not entirely accurate.
Is Jio 5G Truly Unlimited?
Currently, Jio is the only telecom company in the market offering genuinely unlimited 5G internet. The terms and conditions for Jio's 5G plans do not mention any hotspot restrictions or data caps. Jio's 5G plans start at ₹349.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
