Airtel Ties Up With Google For Web-based Services

Bharti Airtel Broadband & Telephone Services (B&TS) and Google entered into a strategic alliance to work together in bringing web-based services to Airtel's broadband internet customers. As part of the agreement, Airtel will offer its broadband customers a world-class portal including Google Search for web-based queries, Google Gmail with 2 GB storage, Google Talk instant messaging/ chatting service, Google Docs and Spreadsheets so users can share and collaborate in real-time, and other services like Desktop & Internet Security Services (consisting of Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, Firewall & Parental Control); Web SMS, On-demand gaming service and music download service, etc.

Besides these offerings, customers will get the option to personalize their Internet start page with content of individual preference - news, blog postings, weather and other interactive content and services through thousands of gadgets as well as content/ information from any site that gives XML feeds.

Airtel Broadband customers will be able to access all these services with a single sign-on completely free of cost. The portal will make it easy for customers to access their email, search the web, share ideas, connect with friends and publish content. More offerings like e-commerce applications will be added to the portal over a period time.

"In India, it is rich and differentiated services and content riding on an innovative internet experience that will drive the adoption of broadband. Airtel is delighted to partner with Google, a company that has led the creation of innovative internet experiences, to bring its innovative products to our broadband consumers," said Atul Bindal, President, Airtel Broadband & Telephone Services.

Shailesh Rao, Managing Director, Google India said, "Google is committed to enriching the online experience of users in India. The alliance will provide an ideal platform for Airtel users to enjoy the best possible online experience with customized access to Google's evolving suite of innovative products."

According to Jai Menon, Director, IT and Innovation Bharti Airtel Limited, three set of services will be made available to the customers of Airtel Broadband with a single sign-on completely free of cost.

"We will allow three sets of services. One there will be Airtel set of services - music, gaming and video messaging. Second is completely Google set of services and third is a local content developers' gadget," said Menon.

It will become very easy for customers to access their email, search the web, connect with friends and publish content. Airtel plans to add more offerings like e-commerce applications to the portal over a period time.