Uber partners with Airtel for mobile payment

Riders in Mumbai will now be able to enjoy free, high-speed internet in Uber cars, powered by Airtel 4G.

Cab hailing service Uber has tied up with Bharti Airtel, allowing its riders across India to pay for their trips using Airtel's mobile wallet service, Airtel Money. Additionally, Mumbaikars will now be the first in India to enjoy free, high-speed internet in Uber cars, powered by Airtel 4G. This service will soon be rolled out for Uber riders pan India.

"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," says Srini Gopalan, director - consumer business, Bharti Airtel.

"This unique partnership is built on our shared visions and strengths of broad, reliable networks and connecting people to their world, anytime, anywhere," notes Amit Jain, president, Uber India.

This integration will officially launch Airtel Money. For a limited time, new Uber riders who top up their Airtel Money wallets will earn up to Rs. 500, free. Additionally, starting with Mumbai, every Uber vehicle in India will soon be equipped with free WiFi, powered by Airtel 4G with no additional data charges.

Airtel claims to have over 230 million customers in India. In 2011, Airtel's subsidiary Airtel M Commerce Services Limited (AMSL) launched the company's flagship semi-closed wallet under the brand name Airtel Money - a prepaid mobile wallet.

Uber is currently available in 18 Indian cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Mysore, Nagpur, New Delhi, Pune, Surat and Vishakhapatnam.