Airtel — Airtel falsely showing 5G and misleading users with Unlimited 5G plan

I subscribed to Airtel’s ₹349 “Unlimited 5G” plan believing it provides unlimited 5G data as advertised. However, after using 2GB per day, my internet stops completely, and I receive messages to recharge.

Despite being in full 5G coverage (or so i thought) and seeing the 5G icon on my phone, the data is actually deducted from the 4G daily limit. Independent apps such as Network Signal Info confirm that my device is connected to 4G LTE (NSA mode), not true 5G.

I filed a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), and Airtel’s official response (shared through NCH) stated:
“Data from the recharge pack gets consumed once the network latches into 4G instead of 5G. Hence post consumption of daily data pack, unlimited 5G will not work.”

This clearly confirms that Airtel’s network shows 5G on the phone even though it is actually working on 4G. The misleading “5G” icon and “Unlimited 5G” advertisement make customers believe they are receiving unlimited 5G service, when in reality, it is a limited 4G connection.

This amounts to **false advertising and deficiency in service.**

I request:
1. Immediate investigation into Airtel’s misleading “Unlimited 5G” plan.
2. Strict action for false representation of network type.
3. Refund or compensation for the period I was denied the promised 5G benefit.
4. Consumer awareness measures to prevent others from being misled by the same false claims.
Was this information helpful?
No (0)
Yes (0)
Airtel customer support has been notified about the posted complaint.
 
Add a Comment

Post your Comment

    I want to submit Complaint Positive Review Neutral Comment
    code
    By clicking Submit you agree to our Terms of Use
    Submit
    Airtel
    customer care contacts
    Customer satisfaction rating Customer satisfaction rating is a complex algorithm that helps our users determine how good a company is at responding and resolving complaints by granting from 1 to 5 stars for each complaint and then ultimately combining them all for an overall score.
    Read more
    42%
    Complaints
    54766
    Pending
    0
    Resolved
    21977
    Airtel Phone
    +91 96 6339 5551
    +91 11 4266 6500 [Head Office]
    +91 11 4666 6100 [Head Office]
    Airtel Address
    20, Sarakki Main Road, JP Nagar 1st Phase, Bangalore, Karnataka, India - 560078
    View all Airtel contact information