TRAI Gives Green Signal to Airtel’s 5G Priority Network

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has not found any initial violation of the Net Neutrality Rules in Airtel’s recently launched Priority Postpaid Service. However, it’s just the initial phase of the report, and TRAI is continuing its examination to determine whether it’s affecting the service quality experienced by other subscribers.

The development comes at a significant time when telecom operators are eagerly looking for ways to monetize their 5G Network and increase the ARPU. The company’s Priority Postpaid Plans are the first in the nation to use network slicing technology that allows the operators to provide enhanced network quality to selected users compared to others. It’s more of a priority lane where users will get enhanced network quality if they are a postpaid user.

As per the preliminary report, TRAI has not found any immediate violation of the Net Neutrality Norms. However, the regulator is seeking more information from Airtel and continuing its review for a detailed analysis.

The bone of contention with Network Slicing is whether the dedicated slice of network, termed as “priority network,” is affecting the service quality of other 5G users or not. TRAI is examining whether the enhanced experience as promised by Airtel in its postpaid service is being delivered without compromising the service quality of others, because most of the users on the Airtel Network are prepaid, which means it’s a serious concern.

Airtel has stated that its Priority Service doesn’t breach the existing Net Neutrality Norms and operates neutrally without compromising the network quality. Airtel revealed that the service is designed in such a way that it will provide a better and enhanced experience during the period of congestion (high traffic) on the network without impacting the quality of other customers.

The move comes at a crucial time when all the telecom operators want to increase their ARPU and monetize their 5G service.

Even the topic has caught the attention of a Parliamentary Standing Committee, which sought information from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TRAI(Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) regarding the implications of 5G network slicing technology and how such services are being deployed in international markets and their potential impact.

The Committee has flagged the concerns that the priority-based service will affect the Net Neutrality Principle and potentially hamper the service quality experienced by the other users. Following this, a major debate has started online about how the emerging new technology should be governed by the authorities as the telecos(especially the private playes) are looking for more ways to monetize their investment in the 5G network and augment their ARPU.

In its defense, Airtel stated that Network Slicing is a globally recognised and well-established technology that many developed nations are already using. Further, the telco mentioned that the network slicing doesn’t affect the service quality of other users. It’s more like a ‘fast lane’ where eligible users can enjoy the enhanced experience while others remain in the same lane with the same network experience.

Jio, being the largest telecom operator in the Indian market, has supported Airtel with its network slicing move and even suggested that TRAI undertake a detailed examination of the technology and relevant policy should be made before the wider deployment of the service.

On seeing from above, everything seems to be correct, as the users who are paying more will get the premium service without compromising others. But it’s yet to be seen whether the claims by Airtel will be proved true or not in the detailed analysis report of the TRAI.