Airtel’s Unlimited 5G plan has come under sharp criticism after popular tech YouTuber Techno Ruhez released an explosive video alleging that the telecom giant’s marketing claims are misleading customers. Titled “Airtel BIG Fraud With Me: EXPOSED” and uploaded on November 11, 2025, the video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and triggering a nationwide discussion about data transparency and telecom ethics.
In the video, Ruhez shares his personal experience of running out of data during a family trip, despite being subscribed to an “unlimited” 5G plan. His investigation revealed that the so-called unlimited offer is subject to multiple conditions, including a 300GB monthly cap and speed throttling beyond that limit.
He further explains that Airtel’s unlimited 5G access is restricted to users connected to its “5G Plus” network, meaning that anyone automatically switched to a 4G network, even temporarily, consumes data from their standard daily quota instead.
A central issue Ruhez highlights is the technical structure of Airtel’s 5G, which operates on a Non-Standalone (NSA) network. Unlike a Standalone 5G system that functions independently, NSA relies on the existing 4G infrastructure.
This setup, he notes, causes devices to frequently display a 5G connection while actually routing data through 4G channels. Using third-party apps, Ruhez demonstrates that this silent switch drains 4G data allowances, leaving users unaware that their supposedly unlimited 5G is effectively capped.
The video’s revelations have ignited intense debate across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and other social media platforms. Dozens of users have shared similar grievances, alleging that Airtel’s network routinely toggles between 5G and 4G without warning.
Common complaints include unexpected data exhaustion, poor customer support, and vague plan descriptions. Several users have even branded the offer a “scam,” while others compared Airtel’s NSA system unfavourably to Jio’s Standalone 5G, which reportedly provides uninterrupted unlimited usage without falling back on 4G limits.
Industry experts and consumer watchdogs have joined the conversation, urging telecom providers to adopt clearer communication about technical constraints and data caps. Analysts warn that India’s ongoing 5G rollout could face reputational challenges if transparency is not prioritized.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has yet to comment formally, though discussions about fair-use disclosures and digital consumer protection have resurfaced in light of the controversy.
Ruhez’s video also includes practical suggestions for affected users, such as monitoring network type through independent apps or uninstalling Airtel’s “Thanks” app, which he claims may interfere with stable connections. He concludes the video by encouraging viewers to raise official complaints and push for accountability from service providers.
The viral exposé has placed Airtel in a difficult position, forcing the company to clarify aspects of its “unlimited” 5G plan. While Airtel maintains that the service operates within industry standards, the uproar underscores growing consumer frustration over hidden conditions and inconsistent service delivery.
As conversations around the controversy continue online, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater honesty in digital communication and the rising power of independent creators like Techno Ruhez to shape public discourse around technology and consumer rights.
