Decoding the Reality Behind ‘Unlimited’ 5G Offers: Telecom giants like Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) are marketing their 5G plans as ‘unlimited’ with fervor, opening their arms to millions of users. The question remains, however: Are these so-called ‘unlimited’ plans or is there some hidden catch? While the term ‘unlimited’ is used loudly on company websites and billboards, checking out the terms and conditions tells a different story.

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Vodafone Idea’s (Vi) 5G Plans: The 300GB Limit

Vodafone Idea recently launched its 5G services in Mumbai, along with a promotional offer of unlimited 5G data. However, according to reports by Telecom Talk, Vi’s so-called ‘unlimited’ plans come with a 300GB data limit for 28 days. Once this limit is reached, users may experience slower speeds or additional charges. Despite the bold claims of unlimited data, the fine print tells a different story.

Airtel’s Unlimited 5G Plans: What’s the Catch?

Airtel also claims unlimited 5G, with terms and conditions mentioning that customers are provided 300GB of data per month. This applies to both postpaid and prepaid customers. After the depletion of this limit, the speeds are capped, or overages can be charged. So, while the advertisement is touting unlimited usage, the policy does have a very clearly defined high boundary on rapid data.

Jio’s True 5G: The Only Truly Unlimited Plan?

Unlike Airtel and Vi, Reliance Jio’s website explicitly states that Jio True 5G is completely unlimited, with no data caps or restrictions on 5G consumption. However, while Jio claims that users can enjoy unrestricted data usage, customers should still review the terms and conditions for any hidden clauses.

TRAI’s Regulations on ‘Unlimited’ 5G Data

According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), usage of more than 300GB per month is commercial usage, not personal. This is primarily the reason no telecom operator provides true unlimited data, but they do say so in ads. TRAI has also told telecom operators to mention data thresholds in the terms and conditions section so there is no false advertising.

Is Customer Being Deceived?

Telecom operators use the word ‘unlimited’ to attract users, but most plans have embedded limits. Jio appears to be the only operator with truly unlimited 5G, whereas other operators like Airtel and Vi set data limits despite their plans being termed as unlimited. Subscribers must carefully go through the terms and conditions of any 5G plan they are enrolling in so that they are aware of the actual data limits and limitations before they commit.