Press Release (ePRNews.com) - New Delhi, India - Jul 19, 2025 - In a landmark move to make cutting-edge artificial intelligence accessible to millions, Bharti Airtel, India’s leading telecommunications provider, has partnered with Perplexity, a US-based AI-powered search and answer engine, to offer a complimentary 12-month subscription to Perplexity Pro for its entire customer base of 360 million. This includes Airtel’s mobile, broadband, and Direct-to-Home (DTH) subscribers, marking the first generative AI partnership of its kind in India. The subscription, typically priced at ₹17,000 annually, unlocks advanced AI capabilities, including access to models like GPT-4.1 and Claude, deep research tools, image generation, file analysis, and Perplexity Labs for creative prototyping.
“This collaboration brings a powerful, real-time knowledge tool to millions of users at no extra cost,” said Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel. “This first-of-its-kind Gen-AI partnership in India is focused on helping our customers navigate emerging digital trends with confidence and ease.”
A Boost for Students and Researchers
The partnership is a significant opportunity for students and researchers across India. Perplexity Pro stands out from traditional search engines by delivering conversational, citation-backed answers in real time, making it an invaluable tool for academic pursuits. Students can use it to simplify complex topics, summarize dense academic articles, and conduct legitimate, citation-supported research. With up to 300 AI-powered searches per day, access to advanced AI models, and creative tools like Perplexity Labs for data visualization and prototyping, students can elevate their learning and project work.
This initiative aligns with a broader trend of enhancing AI accessibility for education in India, following Google’s recent offer of free Gemini Pro subscriptions to college students. For example, a student in Rajkot can leverage Perplexity Pro to organize research logically, while a researcher in Kanyakumari can access quick, precise answers to streamline academic tasks.
Aravind Srinivas, Co-founder and CEO of Perplexity, highlighted the partnership’s impact: “This 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.”
Benefits for Professionals and Beyond
Beyond students, professionals in fields like consulting, law, and media can benefit from Perplexity Pro’s deep research and file analysis features. These tools streamline tasks such as drafting briefs, conducting market analysis, or generating visual content. The platform’s ability to process up to 300 queries daily and utilize advanced AI models like GPT-4.1 and Claude ensures precise, reliable results for complex tasks.
How to Activate the Offer
Airtel customers can claim their free 12-month Perplexity Pro subscription through the Airtel Thanks app. Here’s how:
- Open the Airtel Thanks app on your smartphone.
- Navigate to the “Rewards” or “Subscriptions” section.
- Locate the Perplexity Pro offer banner and tap “Claim Now.”
- Sign in or sign up on Perplexity’s website using your Gmail or Apple ID.
- Complete the activation without entering payment details, as the subscription is complimentary.
The offer is available for activation between July 17, 2025, and January 17, 2026, and requires an active Airtel connection. The subscription will not auto-renew, allowing users to switch to Perplexity’s free tier or opt for a paid plan after the 12-month period.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Offer Duration | July 17, 2025 – January 17, 2026 |
| Eligibility | All Airtel mobile, broadband, and DTH customers (360 million subscribers) |
| Subscription Cost | Free (normally ₹17,000/year) |
| Key Features | 300 AI-powered searches/day, GPT-4.1, Claude, file analysis, Perplexity Labs |
| Activation Method | Airtel Thanks app |
| Auto-Renewal | None; reverts to free tier or paid plan after 12 months |
Strategic Impact and Market Context
This partnership strengthens Airtel’s position in India’s competitive telecom landscape, where it vies with rivals like Reliance Jio. By offering a high-value AI tool at no cost, Airtel enhances its appeal to existing and potential subscribers. Social media posts on X have praised the deal, with users noting its potential to challenge competitors and inspire similar AI-telecom partnerships in India. One user commented, “This is huge and indirectly a serious competition to Jio and ChatGPT in India.”
For Perplexity, the deal marks its first collaboration with an Indian telecom operator, amplifying its presence in one of its top four markets by daily traffic. Founded in 2022 by IIT Madras graduate Aravind Srinivas and others, Perplexity has gained traction for its conversational AI, which rivals traditional search engines and chatbots like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. Valued at $9 billion, with discussions of a potential $14 billion valuation, Perplexity has also partnered with global firms like SoftBank, T-Mobile, and Motorola. The Airtel collaboration has propelled Perplexity to the top of India’s iPhone App Store, surpassing ChatGPT.
A Step Toward AI Accessibility
This initiative underscores a growing trend of making advanced AI tools accessible to diverse user groups in India. By providing Perplexity Pro at no cost, Airtel and Perplexity are empowering students, professionals, and everyday users to harness AI for education, productivity, and creativity. For support, customers can contact Airtel at 121 or Perplexity at support@perplexity.ai.
