Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Airtel-Perplexity AI Bundle Sparks Trust Concerns
Airtel and Perplexity AI made a deal where Airtel users could get a year of Perplexity Pro for free.
But after six months, users are being asked to add their card details to keep using the service.
This is confusing because the original offer didn't mention any payment.
Some people think this is unfair and could hurt trust in similar deals.
Experts say it's important for companies to be clear about what they promise.
This also shows that people in India are careful about giving their card details for subscriptions.
Airtel and Perplexity AI offered a year of free Perplexity Pro to Airtel users.
After six months, users are now asked to add card details to continue the service.
This change was not clearly communicated, leading to user confusion and frustration.
Experts argue this could be seen as false advertising or a breach of trust.
The issue highlights concerns about consumer trust and the viability of paid AI services in India.
- Who
- Airtel and Perplexity AI users in India
- What
- Unexpected payment requests for Perplexity Pro
- When
- Six months after the original offer
- Where
- India
- Why
- Perplexity changed onboarding to require card details
- Companies Involved
- Airtel and Perplexity AI
- Original Offer
- 1 year of Perplexity Pro for free
- Current Issue
- Users asked to add card details mid-trial
- Perplexity Pro Cost
- $17/month or $167/year (Rs 15,000)
- Consumer Concerns
- Unexpected payment requests, lack of communication
- Expert Opinions
- Potential false advertising, trust issues
- Market Context
- India's competitive AI bundling market
- Consumer Behavior
- Caution about sharing card details