Overview
- Bharti Airtel has rolled out a Priority Postpaid plan that uses 5G network slicing to give certain users a dedicated portion of the mobile network for higher speed and reliability.
- Nokia and Ericsson have publicly backed the service, saying slicing helps tailor performance for different applications and improves network efficiency.
- Regulators including the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India are monitoring the rollout to check that slices do not degrade baseline internet access or create paid fast lanes in breach of net neutrality rules.
- Network slicing splits one physical 5G network into virtual 'slices' that can be tuned for low latency, high reliability, or extra security for use cases such as remote surgery, connected ambulances, factory automation, and live broadcasting.
- India’s licensing and international precedents allow specialised slices only if they are technically distinct from general internet access and do not reduce quality for ordinary users, making data-driven oversight the next step to assess real-world effects.