Airtel launches ‘Airtel Zero’ to offer free access to mobile applications


Airtel Internet

Airtel has launched Airtel Zero, a new platform that will offer users access to selected applications and services such as chat apps, e-commerce apps, gaming portals and other Internet-based services without any data charges for Airtel customers. Airtel will be partnering with several e-commerce companies and start-ups to offer free access to their apps. It will launch first on Android and iOS platforms.

Commenting on the new platform, Srini Gopalan, Director, Consumer Business, Bharti Airtel, said:

We are excited to launch ‘Airtel Zero’, which is an open and non-discriminatory marketing platform for all developers in India – irrespective of the size of their business. We believe that this platform is consistent with India’s Digital Inclusion agenda and also contributes to the government’s ‘Make in India’ vision by providing a platform to millions of small businesses to reach out to the end consumer.  Following an extremely successful pilot phase, we are seeing a lot of interest from businesses across the board, including several small startup firms, and expect a large number of applications to sign on.

Talking to The Hindu Business Line if this platform goes against net neutrality, Srini Gopalan said “This is an open platform with non-discriminatory pricing, and we believe it will be a win-win for customers and e-commerce players”. Reliance Communications recently partnered with Facebook to offer access to several websites and services as a part of Internet.org initiative.


Author: Srivatsan Sridhar

Srivatsan Sridhar is a Mobile Technology Enthusiast who is passionate about Mobile phones and Mobile apps. He uses the phones he reviews as his main phone. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram