Uber users can now pay using Airtel Money

The service is initially available in Mumbai and will be soon rolled out for Uber riders pan India.

Uber just its second significant announcement out of India this week after it revealed a new tie-up with mobile operator Airtel. “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”. As part of this alliance, Uber will also offer exclusive promotions, discounts and experiences to Airtel customers, including Rs. The scheme that kicks off in Mumbai this Saturday, Uber users would get access to free 4G Wifi in Uber cabs and an additional payment option via Airtel Money (Airtel’s e-Wallet) on the cab-hailing app. Drivers get subsidised mobile devices and data plans, the company said in a statement.

Uber And Bharti Airtel Enters Into A Strategic Partnership: The web based cab service company Uber and telecom company Bharti airtel entered into a strategic partnership offering the Uber riders free internet and payment of money through Airtel’s mobile wallet service. Uber India also accepts cash payments in six cities. This week, the SoftBank-backed firm announced ‘Ola Select, ‘ a benefits program that rewards top users of the service with perks. “We definitely have the advantage of understanding the local market better”, Mr. Subramanian said.

Apart from free Airtel 4G-powered Wi-Fi access, Uber has started accepting transactions through Airtel Money.

While Uber is looking to invest $1 billion in the next 6-9 months, Ola is looking to raise $500 million, according to a report by Mint.

Uber says it is working with authorities and has applied for a license in Delhi while it awaits national guidelines governing app-based transport aggregators that are now being drawn up by the federal transport ministry.

The fight between the auto hailing apps are getting tougher every other day. The driver has denied wrongdoing and is now on trial.