Airtel confirms unlimited 5G data cannot be shared via hotspot, users cry foul

Airtel subscribers across India have reported that their 'unlimited 5G' data plans are not living up to the name when it comes to sharing internet via mobile hotspot. Complaints flooding social media claim that once a user enables hotspot tethering on an Airtel 5G connection, speeds drop sharply or the hotspot stops working entirely.

The telecom operator has now confirmed the restriction, stating in its terms of service that unlimited 5G data is intended for personal use on a single device and cannot be shared via mobile hotspot. The clarification follows days of user frustration, with many accusing Airtel of deceptive marketing.

What Airtel's terms actually say

According to the company's official plan documents, the unlimited 5G data offer explicitly prohibits sharing data through mobile hotspot functionality. Airtel has maintained that this is not a hidden clause but part of the standard terms and conditions that users agree to at the time of activation.

A 300GB fair usage policy also applies to the unlimited 5G plan. Beyond this threshold, data speeds may be reduced. While the company frames this as a measure to ensure network quality, users argue that the 'unlimited' branding creates a false impression, especially when hotspot sharing is a common use case for many subscribers.

User reports and reactions

Several users on platforms like X and Reddit have shared screenshots showing their hotspot connections being blocked or throttled after just a few minutes of tethering. In some cases, the phone shows 5G signal, but connected devices get no internet access. Airtel customer care responses shared online suggest that hotspot sharing is not supported on the unlimited 5G plan by design.

“I switched to Airtel specifically for unlimited 5G, but I can't even share a connection with my laptop for work. This feels like a bait-and-switch,” wrote one user. Another pointed out that rival Jio's unlimited 5G plan also restricts hotspot usage, though the enforcement appears less aggressive.

Fair usage cap in focus

The 300GB fair usage limit has also drawn criticism. For heavy users, this cap means that after consuming 300GB in a billing cycle, the 'unlimited' plan becomes a capped plan with reduced speeds. Airtel has not publicly disclosed what the reduced speeds are, beyond stating that they are sufficient for basic browsing.

Industry analysts say that while fair usage policies are common globally, Indian telecom operators need to be more transparent about how they enforce restrictions. “The term 'unlimited' is misleading when there are clear limits on how the data can be used and how much can be consumed at full speed,” an analyst told India Today.

Comparison with competitors

Jio, Airtel's main rival, also offers unlimited 5G plans with similar restrictions. Jio's terms state that unlimited 5G data is for personal use only and not for tethering. However, users report that Jio's enforcement is inconsistent, with some being able to hotspot without issues while others face throttling.

Vodafone Idea has not yet launched a comparable unlimited 5G plan, leaving Airtel and Jio as the primary options for users seeking unlimited 5G. This duopoly has led to calls for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to standardise plan disclosures and prevent what consumer groups call 'fine print marketing'.

Airtel has not responded to requests for further comment on whether the hotspot restriction applies to all its unlimited 5G plans or only specific variants. The company's customer support continues to direct users to the terms and conditions page.

What happens next: Expect TRAI to face increasing pressure to examine the fine print of unlimited 5G plans. Consumer forums may also push for a regulatory directive that forces telecom operators to clearly label plans that restrict hotspot sharing. For now, Airtel users who rely on tethering may need to reconsider their plan choice.