Uber, Bharti Airtel partner for free WiFi, mobile money payments in India

Details: Gabriella Mulligan; Category: Mobile Finance; 25 August 2015; 9167 views

Taxi-hailing app Uber and Bharti Airtel have announced a partnership in India, under which Uber riders will receive free in-vehicle Wi-Fi, and can pay using their Airtel Money mobile wallet.

Traditionally requiring credit-card payment to settle a taxi bill, Uber riders across India will now be able to pay for their taxi trips with Airtel's mobile money service, making Uber the first technology platform to officially launch Airtel Money.

In addition, Uber will offer commuters free high-speed internet powered by Airtel 4G, allowing riders to surf the Internet, use apps and send messages during their ride without incurring any data charges.

The arrangement will initially roll out in Mumbai, followed by further launches across 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 of Consumer Business at 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 of 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."

Airtel will become Uber's official telecom partner across India, and will offer mobile, data and device plans to Uber's driver-partners; while Uber will also offer exclusive promotions, discounts and experiences to Airtel customers.

Uber announced all new Uber riders in India will receive upto Rs.500 off their first ride when using Airtel Money.