Bharti Airtel Limited (“Airtel”), the third largest mobile services provider globally with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, and Uber today announced a first-of-its-kind strategic partnership in India. As part of this partnership, Uber riders across India can now pay for their trips using Airtel’s mobile wallet service -Airtel Money. Additionally, Mumbaikars will now be the first in India to enjoy free high-speed internet from Uber, powered by Airtel 4G. This service will soon be rolled out for Uber riders pan India.
“Our partnership with Uber is directly in line with our commitment to offer innovative and relevant services for our customers. Now, Uber riders can enjoy the convenience of paying through their Airtel Money wallets, while also experiencing the power of blazing internet speeds with Airtel 4G on the move. We are excited that Uber has chosen Airtel to fulfill its telecom needs, and look forward to supporting the company’s rapid growth across India”, said Srini Gopalan, Director – Consumer Business, Bharti Airtel.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Airtel to deliver solutions that elevate the Uber experience for riders and drivers throughout India. This unique partnership is built on our shared visions and strengths of broad, reliable networks and connecting people to their world, anytime, anywhere,” said Amit Jain, President, Uber India. “Airtel is leading the way for wireless connectivity, and as our telecom partner, will help us in our quest toward transforming urban mobility for hundreds of millions of commuters in India.”
This integration will provide riders with another hassle-free payment option and will make Uber the first technology platform to officially launch Airtel Money. For a limited time, new Uber riders who top up their Airtel Money wallet will earn up to Rs. 500 for free. Additionally, starting with Mumbai, every Uber vehicle in India will soon be equipped with free WiFi, powered by Airtel 4G. Whether riding to work or a night out in the town – Uber will offer commuters high-speed internet at no data charges, powered by Airtel 4G.
Airtel will also become Uber’s official telecom partner across India, and support the company’s rapid growth in India by offering mobile, data and device plans to Uber driver-partners. As part of this alliance, Uber will also offer exclusive promotions, discounts and experiences to Airtel customers - including Rs. 500 off on their first ride upon using Airtel Money.
Airtel is India’s largest mobile operator with a customer base of over 230 million customers. In 2011, Airtel’s subsidiary Airtel M Commerce Services Limited (AMSL) launched the company’s flagship semi-closed wallet under the brand nameAirtel Money - India’s first prepaid mobile wallet by a telecom services provider. Registered Airtel Money customers can link their account on Uber’s mobile app now. To do this - select “Payment” from the menu in Uber app, tap “Add Payment”, tap “Airtel Money” to add account. Afterwards, they can select Airtel Money as their payment method and take a ride.
