India, May 29 -- Airtel finds itself into a familiar battleground - the net neutrality debate. India's second largest telecom operator stirred up the hornet's nest once again earlier this week after it rolled out its "Priority Postpaid" plans.

Powered by 5G network slicing capabilities, the priority service promises premium subscribers high-speed data lanes even in heavily congested urban zones. The plan starts at Rs.449 a month (excluding GST) and goes all the way to Rs.1,749 per month.

Almost immediately, what appeared to be a routine product launch for high-paying customers transformed into a flashpoint. On social media platform X, one user called the service a "private VIP lounge", while another termed it a "calculated legal heist o...