Bharti Airtel, one of India’s largest telecom companies, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the AI startup Perplexity. Through this partnership, Airtel will offer a free 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro to all its 360 million customers, including users on mobile, broadband, and DTH services.
This move marks the first time Perplexity has joined forces with telecom provider. Airtel customers can claim the offer directly via the Airtel Thanks app. This step strengthens Airtel’s position in the digital innovation space and offers a valuable new tool to its wide user base.
AI-powered Perplexity Pro
Perplexity is a powerful AI-driven search and answer engine that delivers real-time, detailed, and conversational responses. Unlike traditional search engines that list links, Perplexity gives direct, easy-to-understand answers, which users can refine further with follow-up questions.
The Pro version offers even more advanced features. These include access to stronger AI models like GPT-4.1 and Claude, model selection, deep research tools, image generation, file analysis, and Perplexity Labs, a creative suite that helps bring ideas to life. Normally, the Pro version costs Rs 17,000 a year globally.
Leaders speak out
Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of Bharti Airtel, highlighted the importance of this partnership: “This collaboration brings a real-time knowledge engine to millions, free of cost. It’s the first Gen-AI partnership of its kind in country, and it will help our users stay ahead in the fast-changing digital world.”
Aravind Srinivas, the Co-founder and CEO of Perplexity, added, “We’re thrilled to make trustworthy, professional-grade AI accessible to everyone, from students to professionals. This partnership will transform the way people search, learn, and work online.”
What is Perplexity
Perplexity is an advanced AI search engine built for the modern internet user. Founded by Aravind Srinivas (an IIT Madras graduate) alongside Johnny Ho, Andy Konwinski, and Denis Yarats, the platform combines the power of AI and research to deliver accurate answers, not just links. Its growing popularity stems from its easy-to-use interface and precise information delivery, which makes it ideal for professionals, students, and anyone looking to get quick and correct answers.
With this Airtel partnership, Perplexity aims to expand its reach across India, making next-gen AI tools available to everyday users at no cost.
