Will Airtel 5G Plus services work on existing 4G data plans?

Highlights
  • Airtel 5G Plus services have begun rolling out in 8 cities.
  • Airtel says you won’t need to change your SIM to use Airtel 5G.
  • Airtel also confirmed that Airtel 5G Plus services will work on existing data plans.

Airtel 5G Plus was launched in India on Thursday. The telco announced that its 5G services have begun rolling out in 8 cities across India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Siliguri, Nagpur, and Varanasi. Airtel customers in these cities will be able to start enjoying Airtel 5G network provided they are near 5G towers. Airtel is rolling out its services in a phased manner, so it might be a while before you start seeing Airtel 5G speeds on your smartphone. That said, will you be able to use Airtel 5G services on your existing 4G data plan? Airtel has an answer for you.

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Will you be able to use Airtel 5G Plus on existing data plans?

Yes, Airtel says customers who have 5G smartphones will be able to use high-speed Airtel 5G Plus on their existing 4G data plans until the rollout is more widespread. This means that you will not have to pay anything extra to use Airtel 5G for now. After a wider rollout, Airtel will introduce 5G plans. As per reports, Airtel 5G plan prices will be as affordable as 4G tariffs.

Do you need a new 5G SIM card to use Airtel 5G?

No, Airtel has clarified that you do not need to change your existing SIM to use Airtel 5G services. Your existing SIM card will be upgraded to 5G automatically if you are using a 5G smartphone and if you are near a 5G tower. iPhone users will have to wait for an OTA update from Apple that will enable Airtel 5G services. “Barring the iPhone, Airtel 5G network is active on 5G-ready Android phones from all OEMs,” Airtel’s Chief Technology Officer Randeep Sekhon told The Indian Express recently.

Airtel 5G Plus cities in the first phase

Airtel 5G Plus services will be available in 8 cities starting today:

  • Delhi
  • Mumbai
  • Chennai
  • Bengaluru
  • Hyderabad
  • Siliguri
  • Nagpur
  • Varanasi
Airtel is currently constructing its 5G network in these 8 cities and hopes to complete the roll out in the coming weeks. More cities will get Airtel 5G network in the coming months, with a pan-India rollout expected by March 2024.