Bharti Airtel is facing significant backlash from subscribers over recent changes to its Perplexity Pro AI benefit. While users were aware of the offer’s limited timeframe, which was set to expire on January 16, 2026, the crux of the dissatisfaction lies in what many perceive as a sudden shift in the terms of the ‘free’ subscription. Initially marketed as an offer requiring no payment details, subscribers are now being prompted to provide credit card information to maintain access to the service they believed was free. This development has ignited broader discussions about trust and transparency in telecom marketing, particularly in an era increasingly defined by AI.
Airtel halted fresh activations of the Perplexity Pro AI offer on January 16, adhering to its initial announcement regarding the limited-time nature of the subscription, valued at Rs 17,000. Customers who activated the subscription prior to the cut-off remain eligible to use the service for one year from activation. However, it is not the expiration of the offer that has triggered the outcry, but rather the new requirement for payment details to continue using what was originally promoted as a no-strings-attached perk.
For many subscribers, the initial offer felt like a straightforward enhancement to their Airtel connection, allowing them to explore premium AI tools without financial commitment. This context amplifies the disappointment felt by users as they grapple with the changes. The mandatory addition of card details has raised questions about the integrity of the offer, particularly because it undermines the foundational appeal of risk-free trial access that first drew users in.
In a bid to curtail misuse and ensure that only legitimate users benefit, Airtel and Perplexity have made it compulsory for users to submit their credit or debit card information. Both companies assert that no charges will be incurred during the free period and that users can cancel anytime before a potential paid renewal. Nonetheless, the rationale has not fully assuaged subscriber concerns, which now extend beyond pricing to issues of trust and transparency. Many are questioning why card verification was not a prerequisite from the onset if it was always deemed necessary.
The change has fostered a perception that the rules evolved after sign-ups were established, contributing to anxiety among consumers who are already wary of digital subscriptions often plagued by hidden fees and auto-renewal pitfalls. Customers have expressed frustration, describing the requirement for card details as unfair and misleading. This sentiment is especially pronounced among students, freelancers, and small business owners who have come to rely on the Perplexity Pro service for various work-related tasks.
Users have reported disruptions in their access to the AI tool, with some stating they were unable to utilize the service until they provided their payment information. This chain of events has left many feeling uncertain about their next steps. A significant number of users believe Airtel leveraged the growing interest in AI capabilities to foster goodwill, only to alter the terms of engagement post-sign-up. The implications of this shift extend beyond the Perplexity Pro subscription, touching on broader issues of consumer confidence in telecom perks that come laden with high expectations.
As the debate surrounding the transparency of offers like Perplexity Pro continues, it underscores a growing need for clarity in service agreements and marketing communications within the telecom sector. While the specific offer may be temporary, the questions it has raised about user trust and corporate accountability are likely to resonate for a considerable time. Airtel’s challenges mirror a broader industry trend where changing terms and conditions can significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.
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