If you’re considering switching from Airtel prepaid to postpaid and hunting for a plan with “unlimited data,” you’re probably asking: “Is that even real? Or is it just clever marketing?” In this blog post, we’ll dig into what Airtel offers currently, how “unlimited” works (and its limits), what you should watch out for, and whether the switch makes sense for you.
What Does “Unlimited Data” Mean in Airtel’s Postpaid Plans?
First, let’s clarify that true unlimited high-speed data without any cap is rarely offered by telecom operators in India. Instead, “unlimited” often means:
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After you cross a “fair usage limit (FUP)” you may see throttled (reduced) speeds
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There might be a cap on premium or 5G data usage
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Some plans include data rollover, unused data carry forward
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“Unlimited” mostly applies to calling, while data is subject to usage policy
Airtel classifies some of its top-tier postpaid plans under “Infinity / Unlimited” umbrella — though even those come with defined thresholds. Airtel+2Airtel+2
Airtel’s Current Postpaid Plans (2025) — What You Get
Here’s a snapshot of what Airtel is offering in terms of postpaid (data) plans as of now:
Plan / Monthly Rent | Data Allowance | Calling / SMS | Extras / Features |
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₹449 | 50 GB | Unlimited (Local, STD, Roaming) + 100 SMS/day | Data rollover, OTT perks, 5G where available Airtel+2Airtel+2 |
₹549 | 75 GB | Same unlimited calling & SMS | More OTT bundles etc. Airtel+2www.bajajfinserv.in+2 |
₹699 | 105 GB | Unlimited + SMS | Suitable for family / multi‑SIM usage Airtel+2Airtel+2 |
₹999 | 150 GB | Unlimited + SMS | 2 free add-on SIMs etc. Airtel+2Airtel+2 |
₹1,199 / ₹1,399 / ₹1,749 | 190 GB / 240 GB / 320 GB | Unlimited + SMS | High‑end “unlimited / infinity” tiers, family lines, roaming benefits, OTT perks Airtel+3Airtel+3Airtel+3 |
You’ll notice: none of these are labeled as “unlimited data without any cap.” Instead, these are high‑data plans, and many are called “Infinity plans” in Airtel’s portfolio. Airtel+2Airtel+2
⚠️ Why “Unlimited” Isn’t Truly Unlimited
Here are the usual constraints to watch out for:
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Fair Usage Policy (FUP): After you cross a data threshold, your speed may be throttled to a lower rate (e.g. 64 kbps or 128 kbps).
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5G Premium Data Limit: Sometimes “unlimited 5G” is allowed up to a cap (for example, 300 GB) per cycle, after which speeds may revert to 4G or get throttled. Some users have reported such caps. Reddit
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Data Rollover Limits: Unused data may carry forward, but only up to a certain limit or for limited time.
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Deprioritization in Congestion: In heavily loaded networks (e.g. during big events), providers may prioritize certain plans over others (e.g. premium / postpaid users over prepaid).
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Roaming / Specific Zones: In foreign countries or special zones, unlimited data might not apply or might get restricted.
So, always check the fine print / “Terms & Conditions” when Airtel claims “unlimited.”
✅ Why Postpaid “Unlimited-ish” Plans Are Better Than Prepaid for Heavy Users
Switching from prepaid to postpaid at Airtel gives you several advantages if you’re someone who uses a lot of data:
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Higher Data Limits: Postpaid plans start with 50 GB and go up to 320 GB or more in higher tiers. Prepaid often gives lower caps or daily limits.
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No Daily Data Caps: Prepaid plans often have a “daily data limit” (e.g. 2 GB/day). Postpaid gives more flexibility to use big chunks in one go. Airtel+1
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Data Rollover: Most Airtel postpaid plans allow unused data to carry forward.
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Better Customer Support / Priority: Postpaid users often get faster support or priority in network congestion. Airtel+2Airtel+2
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Bundled Perks: OTT subscriptions, roaming, and other add-ons often come in postpaid plans.
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Predictable Billing / Avoiding Multiple Recharges: You get one monthly invoice instead of managing multiple recharges.
How to Convert Your Airtel Prepaid Number to Postpaid & Get “Unlimited” Plan
Here’s how you can upgrade and get one of these high‑data / “infinite / unlimited‑style” plans:
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Check Eligibility & KYC
Ensure your current prepaid number is KYC-verified and eligible for conversion. -
Browse Postpaid Plans
Through Airtel’s website or the Airtel Thanks app, look for “Switch to Postpaid” or “Infinity / Unlimited Postpaid.” -
Choose a Plan
Pick from Airtel’s higher-tier postpaid plans (₹999, ₹1,199, ₹1,399, ₹1,749) depending on your data needs. -
Submit Request / Conversion
Use the online tool or visit a store for offline conversion. -
Wait for Activation
Once approved, your line will migrate and you’ll begin using the postpaid plan with high data. -
Monitor Usage & Throttling
After activation, keep an eye on your data usage in the app, and confirm how speed behaves after crossing thresholds.
Tips & Things to Watch Out For
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Always check how much data is truly high-speed before throttling.
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Confirm whether “unlimited 5G” has a cap (e.g. 300 GB).
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Read the fine print about rollover, roaming, and throttling policies.
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Compare cost per usable GB (after limits) to judge value.
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If your usage is moderate, a high‑data plan is often better value than many smaller recharges.
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After switching, watch your first 1–2 billing cycles to see real behavior.
Final Thoughts
Switching your Airtel prepaid number to postpaid and going for a high‑data or “unlimited-style” plan is a smart move if you’re a heavy data user. You won’t get truly infinite full-speed data, but Airtel’s “Infinity” / high-tier postpaid plans give you a lot more freedom and less worry than prepaid plans with daily or per-day limits.