Smartbytes, the product, which allows Airtel postpaid users to top-up their internet data packs if they use up their monthly allowance before their bill cycle date, is no longer available.
A Delhi-based user noticed this first while he tried topping up his Airtel postpaid number after exhausting the monthly 2GB quota, the network returned a 'service not applicable' message. He also received a message saying "Sorry! No data packs available for your region," while trying to buy Smartbytes through the My Airtel app reports TOI Tech.
The user also received a notification while trying to access a website on his phone informing that he had consumed 100% of the built-in data limit on his mobile and that the speed had been revised to approx. 40kbps. The page also presented options to buy 4GB and 3GB plans.
An Airtel customer care executive told that Smartbytes has been discontinued and that the only way to access high speed 3G/4G internet on a phone until the user hits the bill cycle date, is to upgrade to a higher usage plan. The executive reiterated that it is not possible to opt for a lower-usage plan during the interim period.Thus Airtel didn't inform about this officially to its valued postpaid users.