
Airtel becomes the first Indian telecom operator to offer Perplexity Pro free for a year, with users able to activate it via the Airtel Thanks app as part of its expanding AI-led digital ecosystem strategy
Bharti Airtel has announced a strategic partnership with AI-powered search engine Perplexity, offering a complimentary 12-month Perplexity Pro subscription to its entire customer base of over 360 million users across mobile, broadband, and DTH services.
Perplexity is an advanced AI-driven search and answer engine that delivers accurate, real-time, and well-researched responses in natural language. Unlike traditional search engines that list web pages, Perplexity provides concise, readable answers that users can refine through follow-up queries using its self-learning capabilities.
While Perplexity offers a free tier with robust search functionality, its Pro version is designed for professionals and power users. Perplexity Pro includes additional daily searches, access to advanced AI models such as GPT-4.1 and Claude, customizable model selection, deep research capabilities, image generation, document uploads and analysis, and Perplexity Labs—a feature that allows users to develop and test innovative ideas. Globally, a Perplexity Pro annual subscription is priced at ₹17,000.
Through this collaboration, Airtel becomes the first Indian telecom provider to bring Perplexity Pro to its user base at no cost. Eligible Airtel customers can activate their free subscription by visiting the Airtel Thanks app. This initiative is part of Airtel’s broader strategy to enrich its digital offerings with cutting-edge AI tools, providing enhanced value and productivity to users.
Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Bharti Airtel, said, “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. 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.”
Aravind Srinivas - Cofounder, CEO – Perplexity, said, “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.”
To illustrate the power of this game-changing partnership, take for instance a student from Rajkot. Perplexity Pro can provide processes of legitimate research on the web, learning and collaboration and help organize content logically and easy-to-understand manner, thereby helping him uphold academic standards of excellence. For a homemaker residing in Kanyakumari, Perplexity can serve as an assistant delivering quick and precise responses for daily activities, foster creativity and informed decision-making; all through a user-friendly interface. For a busy professional, planning a family vacation to a new destination, Perplexity Pro can build the itinerary based on time, specified budgets and must-cover activities given by the user in a matter of few seconds. The boost in productivity, and elimination of stress for its users is a benefit one can only realize after trying this tool.See What’s Next in Tech With the Fast Forward Newsletter
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