Monday, August 24, 2015

Uber Collaborates With Bharti Airtel To Provide Free Wi-Fi Service


Uber introduces free Wi-Fi service in India after a strategic partnership with Bharti Airtel
Uber has taken a measure to appease Indian residents. Uber news exclaimed that the Californian transporter has signed a contract with the Asian telecommunication company, Bharti Airtel, to launch a free high-speed Wi-Fi internet service in its cabs across the world’s second most populated country. Besides, the South Asian multinational company would also become the transporter’s official telecom partner across the region by offering information and subsidized mobile device plans to the its driving partners.
Uber news today disclosed that the new fourth-generation Wi-Fi service would initially be introduced for the company’s riders in Mumbai and later extended to other cities. Due to the tie up between the two enterprises, Uber’s customers would be provided an additional payment option, Airtel money, on the application. The cab operators would utilize an Airtel ‘fourth-generation’ enabled MiFi dongle, which would have a battery life of approximately 6 hours. Users just need to tap on UberWiFi as an option and they would find themselves signed on to the internet.
Uber technologies affirmed that a similar initiative was taken by the North American giant’s Asian rival, Ola, as it introduced a feature known as Ola Select on an invite basis to a few riders with facilities, such as free in-taxi Wi-Fi, improvements at no extra cost, and a set of exclusive benefits from partnering brands, such as CleartripSnapdeal and Myntra.
The driving partners would be able to charge their phones for covering long distances by connecting the dongle with the cigarette lighter. This week, the organization also test-launched a program in South Africa, where riders using Uber Black were offered free Wi-Fi for a limited duration.
The high-tech facility is not new for Indian passengers, as Luxury Bus services in the emerging economy provide a similar service with the utilization of a small VSAT terminal, which is known for offering continuous internet access to a rider. Firms, such as OnAir help travellers to access internet through such terminals, which access network directly via satellites.
Industry professionals believe that the collaboration would not only increase the transporter’s customers but also improve the motivation levels of its drivers. It is most likely that the new development would play a vital role in increasing the western company’s market and sales revenue.
Uber’s officials should now try to ensure that the networking service is provided in an effective manner to retain its position in the Indian market. The collaboration between both organizations opens new horizons of opportunities for both companies.


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