Airtel, one of India’s leading telecommunications providers, is poised to introduce its Xstream AirFiber 5G device to compete with Jio AirFiber. Although the official announcement is pending, the companion app for the device has already surfaced on the Google Play Store, offering a glimpse into its capabilities. Notably, the app listing mentions a six-month plan that provides speeds of up to 100Mbps.
The Xstream AirFiber 5G device promises to deliver high-speed internet connectivity, faster bandwidth, and lower latency through 5G networks, emulating the performance of traditional fiber-optic connections. The device itself boasts a tower-like design, as indicated by one of the screenshots in the Play Store listing. Beneath the Airtel logo, three indicators are visible. The first indicator will transition from red to blue upon connecting to a 5G network and will flash continuously if it remains on 4G. The second indicator will reflect the strength of the 4G/5G signal, while the last indicator will confirm the device’s readiness to provide WiFi access to connected devices.
To benefit from the Xstream AirFiber, users must be within the coverage zone of the 5G network. Once a suitable location with a strong signal is found within the home, users can insert a SIM card into the device’s base and power it on. The app appears to feature an augmented reality (AR) function to help users identify the optimal placement for the device.
The Xstream AirFiber device will employ a Wi-Fi 6 (ax) router at its core and will also feature multiple Ethernet ports on the back for connecting wired devices such as desktop computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs.
While the price of the Xstream AirFiber device remains undisclosed, the Play Store listing indicates that the six-month plan, offering speeds of 100Mbps, will be priced at Rs 2,994, amounting to just Rs 499 per month. In contrast, there were recent rumors suggesting that Reliance’s JioFiber device could be priced between Rs 5,500 and Rs 6,000.
It is worth noting that Airtel’s 5G network is now available in over 3,000 towns and cities across India. From Katra in Jammu to Kannur in Kerala, Patna in Bihar to Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, and Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh to the Union territory of Daman and Diu, Airtel’s 5G service covers both urban and rural areas throughout the country, ensuring widespread accessibility for its customers.
