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Submit your complaint →Kunal Giri, a senior quality engineer, raises concerns about Airtel’s “5G Unlimited” plan that stops working after 2GB daily usage. Choice4Voice.com investigates the misleading “unlimited” claim, possible legal actions, and how customers can file complaints for deceptive telecom practices.
Airtel 5G Unlimited Plan Complaint by Kunal Giri | False Unlimited Data Claim | Choice4Voice.com
Complaint Summary
| Complainant Name | Kunal Giri (Goswami) |
|---|---|
| Profession | Senior Engineer (Inward Quality) with 8+ years experience |
| Company/Industry | Quality Control & Supplier Quality Assurance |
| Service Provider | Airtel |
| Plan Type | 5G Unlimited Plan (₹859) |
| Issue | Internet speed drops to unusable levels after 2GB daily limit |
| Complaint Type | Misleading telecom offer / Poor network service |
| Status | Unresolved |
| LinkedIn Source | Public post by Kunal Giri |
Overview of the Complaint
Kunal Giri, a Senior Engineer with over eight years of experience in quality assurance, expressed his frustration with Airtel’s so-called “5G Unlimited” plan.
According to Kunal, despite paying ₹859 for a plan marketed as unlimited 5G data, his internet connection stops working once the daily 2GB limit is exhausted. Even when it works, the speed drops so drastically that it feels like 2G in the era of 5G.
Kunal shared that his phone shows full 5G signal strength, yet Airtel still sends messages such as
“Your 2GB data is 100% used. To get a 1GB data loan, please send an SMS…”
This message, he points out, contradicts the very definition of an unlimited plan.
Customer’s Statement
“If there is 5G network available, then my data pack shouldn’t have been consumed in the first place. And even if it was, since it’s an unlimited plan, the internet should still work after the 2GB daily limit is over. I honestly don’t understand what ‘5G Unlimited’ really means anymore.”
Kunal also added that Airtel’s promotional claims about “unlimited 5G” are misleading and unclear, and the company must be more transparent with customers regarding what “unlimited” actually entails.
Legal Case Can Be Filed
Consumers facing similar issues with misleading telecom offers have several legal remedies under Indian consumer protection and telecom laws.
| Type of Legal Case | Applicable Authority / Law | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Consumer Forum Complaint | Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | File for deficiency in service and false advertising against Airtel for misrepresenting its plan as unlimited. |
| 2. TRAI Complaint | Telecom Regulatory Authority of India | File a grievance for misleading plan description and poor service quality. |
| 3. ASCI Complaint | Advertising Standards Council of India | File for deceptive advertising under the ASCI Code of Self-Regulation. |
| 4. Legal Notice | Through Consumer Lawyer | Issue a notice to Airtel demanding refund or compensation. |
| 5. Civil Compensation Suit | District Civil Court | Claim damages for loss of connectivity and emotional distress. |
How Choice4Voice.com Can Help
Choice4Voice.com empowers consumers to raise their voices against unfair business practices by:
- Reviewing and publishing verified consumer complaints against telecom companies.
- Guiding customers in filing official complaints with TRAI, Consumer Forum, or ASCI.
- Offering pre-drafted templates to make the complaint filing process simpler.
- Creating public awareness through featured articles and social media exposure to pressure companies into resolution.
If you have faced similar issues with Airtel, Jio, or Vodafone, you can share your story via our Google Form on Choice4Voice.com and get your complaint reviewed.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to File a Complaint Against Airtel
- Step 1: Contact Airtel Customer Care via email at 121@in.airtel.com and explain your issue clearly.
- Step 2: Wait for a maximum of 30 days for response or resolution.
- Step 3: If no solution, visit the TRAI Grievance Portal (www.pgportal.gov.in) to register an official complaint.
- Step 4: File a Consumer Forum complaint online at https://edaakhil.nic.in/ for false advertising and deficiency in service.
- Step 5: Submit your story to Choice4Voice.com for publication and greater public visibility.
Pre-Drafted Complaint Templates
1. Complaint to TRAI
Subject: Misleading 5G Unlimited Plan by Airtel – Internet Stops After 2GB Limit
Dear Sir/Madam,
I subscribed to Airtel’s ₹859 “5G Unlimited” plan, which stops functioning after 2GB daily data usage. This contradicts the advertised claim of “unlimited 5G.” The network slows down drastically, and I am being prompted to buy extra data.
Kindly take action under TRAI regulations for misleading plans.Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[City, State]
2. Complaint to Consumer Forum
Subject: Deficiency in Service and Misleading Advertisement by Airtel
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am filing this complaint against Airtel for false promotion of its “5G Unlimited” plan, which ceases to provide usable internet after 2GB daily usage. This is deceptive and violates the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.I request Airtel be directed to either clarify plan terms transparently or compensate for the inconvenience caused.
Regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Address]
Brand Background – Airtel
Bharti Airtel Limited, established in 1995, is India’s second-largest telecom operator. It offers mobile, broadband, and digital TV services to over 375 million customers across India. Despite being recognized for network coverage and innovation, Airtel has faced increasing customer complaints regarding data throttling, misleading “unlimited” claims, and slow issue resolution.
Author
Complainant: Kunal Giri (Goswami)
Kunal Giri is a Senior Engineer specializing in Inward Quality and Supplier Quality Assurance, with over eight years of professional experience. His complaint reflects the growing frustration among educated consumers over misleading telecom advertisements and poor service accountability.
Common Questions and Answers
Q1. What does “Unlimited 5G” actually mean in Airtel’s plan?
It means you can access 5G without a separate recharge, but actual speed and usage depend on the base plan’s daily data limit.
Q2. Why does Airtel restrict speed after 2GB in an unlimited plan?
Because “unlimited” applies only to network access, not to high-speed data. After 2GB, speed is throttled as per fair usage policy.
Q3. Is this practice legal under TRAI?
Yes, but only if clearly disclosed. If Airtel’s ads don’t mention data caps, it can be challenged as misleading advertising.
Q4. Can I claim compensation for poor 5G speed?
Yes. Under the Consumer Protection Act, you can file for deficiency in service.
Q5. How can I check my Airtel data usage?
Use the Airtel Thanks App or dial *121# to check daily usage and remaining data.
Q6. Can Airtel call a plan “Unlimited” if speed reduces after 2GB?
Only if it clearly states “unlimited data with reduced speed after daily limit.” Otherwise, it’s deceptive.
Q7. Where can I file a complaint about telecom service quality?
On the TRAI Grievance Portal or Department of Telecommunications (DoT) website.
Q8. What is the Fair Usage Policy (FUP)?
It’s a limit set by telecom operators after which data speed is intentionally reduced to manage network load.
Q9. How can I contact Airtel’s nodal officer?
Visit Airtel’s official website → Support → Nodal Officer → Select your region for direct contact details.
Q10. What evidence should I attach when filing a complaint?
Screenshots of data usage alerts, plan details, and promotional messages claiming “unlimited 5G.”
Q11. What penalty can Airtel face for false advertising?
ASCI can impose advertising bans, and Consumer Forums can order refunds or compensation.
Q12. How to demand a refund for such misleading plans?
File a Consumer Complaint and provide all relevant proofs of the misleading offer.
Q13. Does 5G data usage consume more than 4G?
Yes, 5G speeds are higher, so data consumption is faster, even for short usage periods.
Q14. Can I switch to Jio or Vi to avoid such throttling?
Yes, through Mobile Number Portability (MNP), though other operators may have similar policies.
Q15. What is TRAI’s stance on misleading telecom ads?
TRAI has directed telecoms to ensure clear disclosure of fair usage limits and speeds.
Q16. How long does TRAI take to resolve complaints?
Typically within 30–45 days, depending on the case complexity.
Q17. Can I post my grievance publicly?
Yes. Sharing it on Choice4Voice.com and LinkedIn helps attract attention and faster responses.
Q18. What’s the best way to contact Airtel for escalation?
Email nodalofficer.[yourregion]@in.airtel.com or call their nodal helpline as per your circle.
Q19. How can Choice4Voice.com support such cases?
By publishing your verified story, guiding you through legal steps, and helping you reach TRAI or consumer authorities.
Q20. Can Airtel be sued for misleading consumers?
Yes. Under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, misleading advertisements are punishable by fines and imprisonment.
