Telecom company Airtel has clarified that its recently launched Priority Postpaid service is not being shut down. Instead, the company has simply changed the name of the service to Fast Lane.
The clarification comes after reports and speculation suggested that Airtel had discontinued the service. However, the company says the offering remains unchanged and customers will continue to receive the same benefits.
Only the Name Has Changed
According to Airtel, the rebranding was done because its launch campaign for Priority Postpaid has ended, and the new name “Fast Lane” better reflects the service.
Users with eligible postpaid plans and 5G-supported smartphones will continue to get benefits such as faster network access, unlimited data, and an enhanced 5G experience.
Airtel also said the service has received a positive response from customers. The company added that prepaid users are not being affected and continue to receive the same network experience as before.
What Is Network Slicing Technology?
Fast Lane is powered by a 5G feature known as network slicing.
This technology allows a single 5G network to be divided into multiple virtual networks, each designed for a specific group of users or purpose.
For example, Airtel can create a dedicated network slice for premium users. This helps maintain better connectivity and performance even when network traffic is high.
Network slicing is already being used in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.
Why Is Airtel Facing Criticism?
Despite Airtel’s explanation, the service has sparked a debate around net neutrality.
Critics argue that offering a better 5G experience to postpaid customers could create differences in service quality between users. Some believe this may encourage prepaid users to switch to more expensive postpaid plans.
The issue has also attracted attention from policymakers. A parliamentary committee has reportedly raised concerns that such services could disadvantage prepaid and lower-income users.
Amid the controversy, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sought clarification from Airtel regarding the service and its impact on users.
