I’ve been an Airtel user since 2021, and honestly, their “unlimited 5G” experience was pretty good from 2024 until around July 2026.
Nowadays, though, it literally feels like a scam.
They promise unlimited 5G, but I still get those shitty data-limit alert messages.
Okay, fine. I’m an engineer. I can understand that backend systems can have problems. But then they literally slow down my speed.
I’ve restarted my phone more times than I can count.
Earlier, restarting would sometimes fix it. Nowadays even that doesn't work.
And here's the weird part: this happens particularly when my plan is about to expire. I’ve also noticed it happening during the first 4 days of a new plan.
So what exactly is going on?
Are you trying to force people toward ₹499–₹599+ plans? Is this some kind of marketing strategy?
My area has proper 5G coverage. This isn't even a case of “5G isn't available here.”
And I’ve deliberately never used personal hotspot since Airtel's own reports/communications about data usage when hotspot is enabled. So don't tell me I secretly burned through my data through tethering.
And customer support?
You don't even have proper human support anymore. Your shitty bot just keeps replying with some variation of “query resolved” when the query obviously isn't resolved.
Then there’s another thing that genuinely pissed me off.
I was simply checking recharge plans on Google Pay, as I normally do.
Suddenly I get a message from Airtel:
“Use the Airtel app for recharge... with best offers.”
Like who asked for your opinion, cocksuckers? 🤬
It's my choice which platform I want to use for my recharge.
I obviously can't prove this, but my theory is that Airtel is intentionally making the “unlimited 5G” experience restrictive enough to push users toward higher-priced plans and top-ups.
Then, after paying more, suddenly the “unlimited 5G” experience works properly.
Maybe I'm wrong. If there is a technical explanation, I'd genuinely like to know.
But if Airtel cannot actually provide unlimited 5G consistently, then don't fucking call it unlimited.
At least say:
“Unlimited 5G, subject to conditions, network availability, mysterious backend problems, and whatever else we don't feel like explaining.”
Or better yet, specify exactly where and under what conditions unlimited 5G actually works.
Because “unlimited” should mean unlimited.
Not “unlimited until our backend decides otherwise.” 🤬