With each passing day, we’re talking of new collaborations. In each passing collaboration, there is a mobile payment company. That’s where the world is probably heading now. At this pace, the time to dump physical wallets is not afar!
“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 – Consumer Business, Bharti Airtel.
The partnership will be a win for the riders, as they will have another cashless payment option. The company also has some new promotional offers as well – new Uber riders who top up their Airtel Money wallet can earn up to Rs. 500 for free! The cab hailing service will offer commuters free high-speed Internet, powered by Airtel 4G – allowing riders to surf the Internet. That’s going to be a sigh of relief for those who are stingy with using data while travelling. The deal also makes Airtel Uber’s official telecom partner across India and support the company’s rapid growth in the country by offering mobile, data and device plans to Uber driver-partners.
Interestingly Ola, Uber’s biggest competitor launched in-cab free WiFi for Ola Select customers earlier this week, and now with Uber coming up with Airtel 4G WiFi internet offering, you will most likely never miss internet when you are traveling in these cabs! However, Ola has not divulged as to which telecom company they have partnered with for offering internet services.
For Airtel, it is more of a strategic partnership because not only Airtel Money will be used more often, but they will now also be able to showcase their 4G internet speed prowess to customers traveling in Uber cabs. Some Non-Airtel customers might get even converted!
“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, 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.”
You can link your Airtel Money account with Uber using following steps:
- Select “Payment” from the menu in your Uber app
- Tap “Add Payment”
- Tap “Airtel Money” to add your account
- Select Airtel Money as your payment method and take a ride
Last month, Uber announced that it is going to invest $1 billion in the Indian market in the next nine months. They also raised raised $100 million from India based Tata Opportunities Fund earlier this week.