Bharti Airtel, one of India’s leading telecom giants, has partnered with US-based AI startup Perplexity to offer free premium access to Perplexity’s AI tools to its massive user base of over 360 million subscribers. The partnership marks a strategic move to counter Google’s aggressive push of its Gemini AI tools for students in India. It’s also the first large-scale AI distribution initiative by any Indian telecom provider, positioning Airtel as a key player in India’s growing AI adoption landscape.

What is Perplexity AI?

Perplexity AI is a powerful conversational AI tool that functions similarly to ChatGPT but with a more focused aim of delivering factual, real-time information. It combines search engine capabilities with generative AI, offering concise answers, citations, and topic explorations. The platform is designed to help users learn, research, and create content quickly. It’s especially gaining popularity among students, researchers, developers, and content creators.

While Perplexity offers a free version globally, it also provides a “Pro” subscription for access to more advanced features and models like GPT-4o and Claude 3.5 Sonnet. These premium features are now being unlocked for free for Airtel users under the new partnership.

Why This Partnership Matters

The partnership is not just about offering a premium tool for free — it’s a calculated business and technology decision. Google recently rolled out its Gemini AI Pro model to students in India through Google Workspace for Education, giving them access to advanced AI tools at no cost. This gave Google a stronghold in the academic segment.

Airtel’s move, in response, not only challenges Google’s initiative but also expands access to AI tools to all age groups — from students to professionals — across India’s vast urban and rural landscape.

India is currently witnessing a rapid rise in AI adoption, especially with increasing smartphone penetration and affordable data. With this deal, Airtel is democratizing access to advanced AI without requiring users to pay or even switch apps.

Who Can Access Perplexity Pro for Free?

Airtel has confirmed that the offer is valid for all prepaid and postpaid mobile subscribers. Currently, it is available through the Airtel Thanks app and the Xstream platform. Users who regularly browse, study, or create content can particularly benefit from the premium capabilities that come with Perplexity Pro — including better context handling, advanced reasoning, citations, and faster response times.

Step-by-Step: How to Access Perplexity Pro via Airtel

Here’s how Airtel users in India can claim free access to Perplexity Pro:

  1. Ensure You’re an Airtel Mobile Customer The offer is only valid for active Airtel mobile users (both prepaid and postpaid). Broadband and DTH users may not be eligible at this stage unless they are also using an Airtel mobile number.
  2. Install or Open the Airtel Thanks App If not already installed, download the Airtel Thanks app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in using your Airtel mobile number.
  3. Navigate to the ‘Discover Airtel IQ’ or ‘Perplexity AI’ Section Airtel has integrated Perplexity AI into the app under its ‘Airtel IQ’ innovation section or through banners on the homepage.
  4. Click on ‘Activate Perplexity Pro Access’ You’ll be redirected to a registration or activation page powered by Perplexity. The system automatically verifies your Airtel number.
  5. Create a Free Account with Perplexity AI Sign up using the same mobile number or your email. Once verified, your account will be upgraded to the Pro version without any payment.
  6. Use Perplexity Pro on Web or App After activation, you can use the premium AI tools through the Perplexity app or its official website. Your subscription will remain active as long as your Airtel number is valid and the partnership is live.

What Perplexity Pro Offers to Airtel Users

  • Unlimited access to GPT-4o, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and other top AI models
  • Faster, accurate, and real-time search results
  • Citation-based answers ideal for students and researchers
  • Threaded chat capabilities and advanced memory
  • Ad-free and distraction-free interface
  • AI-powered summarization and writing support

How Long is the Offer Valid?

While Airtel has not officially declared an end date for this offer, the rollout is part of a long-term strategic partnership. However, it is advisable for users to activate their free access early, as future changes in pricing, access model, or user eligibility may occur based on user engagement or company decisions.

Market Implications

This move by Airtel comes at a time when AI is becoming a strategic battleground between tech companies. While Google and Microsoft have been dominant in the global AI race, Airtel is taking a uniquely Indian approach by partnering with an emerging AI startup that offers transparency, speed, and credibility in its answers.

Moreover, Airtel’s vast user base gives Perplexity a major foothold in the Indian market — allowing it to reach more users than it could independently. For Airtel, this partnership boosts customer engagement, offers a new layer of value beyond traditional telecom services, and strengthens its digital services portfolio.

Final Thoughts

In a market as diverse and fast-moving as India’s, democratizing AI is not just about affordability — it’s about accessibility, relevance, and trust. Airtel’s partnership with Perplexity AI delivers on all three fronts.

If you’re an Airtel mobile user, this is your opportunity to harness the power of premium AI tools at no cost. From students to entrepreneurs, creators to researchers, this partnership promises to change how millions interact with information, search, and productivity.