Free data a headwind against 5G monetisation: Bharti Airtel MD Gopal Vittal

New Delhi: Unlimited free 5G data acts as a headwind against monetising the next-generation technology, Bharti Airtel managing director Gopal Vittal said. He does not see differential pricing for 5G as prudent, because only a fraction of the customers will subscribe to higher-priced plans.

India’s second largest telecom operator has more than 65 million 5G subscribers, Vittal said, adding that while it is growing, the overall contribution of 5G users to the smartphone base is still low at around 15-16%. However, Vittal expects the industry will have 25% of the base 5G enabled by March 2025.

He was speaking during the company’s fiscal third-quarter earnings call with analysts Tuesday.