Airtel partners with Perplexity to offer free AI-powered Pro subscription
Airtel users can now access these Pro features at no cost via the Airtel Thanks app. The collaboration is designed to bring powerful AI tools to users, enabling smarter decision-making and improved productivity.
Bharti has partnered with Perplexity, a leading AI-powered answer engine, to offer a complimentary 12-month subscription of Perplexity Pro to all its 360 million customers across mobile, Wi-Fi (FTTH and FWA), and DTH services.
This marks Perplexity’s first partnership with a telecom provider in India.
Perplexity, founded in 2022, delivers real-time, citation-backed answers using advanced AI models, positioning itself as a credible alternative to traditional search engines. Its Pro version, priced at Rs 17,000 annually, unlocks enhanced features such as access to premium AI models like GPT-4.1 and Claude, deeper research capabilities, image generation, file uploads and analysis, and Perplexity Labs for ideation and project planning.
“We’re thrilled to announce a game-changing partnership with Perplexity, bringing their cutting-edge AI capabilities exclusively for Airtel customers. This collaboration will bring the powerful and real-time knowledge tool for millions of users at their fingertips, at no extra cost," said Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Bharti Airtel.
"This first of its kind Gen-AI partnership in India is focused on helping our customers navigate the emerging trends in the digital world with confidence and ease,” he added.
Airtel users can now access these Pro features at no cost via the Airtel Thanks app. The collaboration is designed to bring powerful AI tools into the hands of everyday users, enabling smarter decision-making, improved productivity, and seamless information discovery.
The utility of Perplexity Pro spans diverse user needs. A student in Rajkot can conduct structured academic research with in-line citations. A homemaker in Kanyakumari can get quick, precise suggestions for daily activities. A busy professional can generate a vacation itinerary tailored to budget, interests, and timelines — all within seconds.
“This partnership is an exciting way to make accurate, trustworthy, and professional-grade AI accessible to more people in India—whether a student, working professional, or managing a household. With Perplexity Pro, users get a smarter, easier way to find information, learn, and get more done," said Aravind Srinivas, Co-founder & CEO, Perplexity.
Airtel has over 590 million customers across 15 countries in India and Africa, and associate operations in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Its portfolio spans mobile and fixed broadband, digital TV, cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT, and more.
This partnership is set to redefine how millions of Indians engage with digital search, making advanced AI-driven tools more accessible and relevant across everyday life.
Edited by Megha Reddy