If you’re using Airtel’s unlimited 5G plan and planning to share your internet through a mobile hotspot, here’s something important you should know.
Bharti Airtel has clarified that its unlimited 5G data benefit is meant only for use on the smartphone.
If you turn on your phone’s hotspot to connect a laptop, tablet, or another device, the data used will not come from the unlimited 5G allowance.
The clarification comes after many users reported that hotspot data was not working despite having an eligible unlimited 5G plan.
Unlimited 5G Works Only on Your Phone
According to Airtel’s terms and conditions, unlimited 5G data can only be used directly on a 5G-enabled smartphone.
If you share your internet connection using a mobile hotspot:
Data will be deducted from your regular plan’s data balance.
The unlimited 5G benefit will not apply to hotspot usage.
This means users who frequently connect laptops or other devices through their phones may exhaust their regular data quota even if they have an unlimited 5G plan.
300 GB Fair Usage Policy Also Applies
Airtel has also confirmed that its unlimited 5G plans come with a Fair Usage Policy (FUP).
Users can access up to 300 GB of high-speed 5G data during a billing cycle.
Once this limit is reached, the unlimited high-speed benefit will no longer be available until the next billing cycle.
Users React to the Clarification
Many Airtel subscribers have expressed disappointment after learning about the hotspot restriction.
Several users shared their concerns on social media, saying they expected unlimited 5G data to work across all connected devices.
The restriction has especially affected people who rely on mobile hotspots for:
Work from home
Online classes
Business travel
Internet access on laptops and tablets
Many believe the limitation reduces the practical value of the “unlimited” 5G offering.
Airtel Says the Policy Has Always Existed
Despite the criticism, Airtel has stated that these conditions have always been part of its unlimited 5G plans.
The company advises customers to check their plan details before using large amounts of hotspot data.
Anyone who regularly shares their mobile internet with other devices should remember that hotspot usage will consume the regular data quota, not the unlimited 5G allowance.
If you depend on mobile hotspot connectivity, it’s worth reviewing your Airtel plan to avoid unexpected data usage and ensure it meets your needs.
