Airtel launches free mobile access to Twitter, until March 2012

Airtel has announced what looks to be a first-of-its-kind initiative in India – free access toTwitter services for Airtel mobile customers. The limited period offer is available for 90 days, until 1 March 2012.

Mobile customers even without a registered GPRS subscription from Airtel will be able to access http://mobile.twitter.com for free on their phones. To receive fast updates without logging on, users can register for free for Airtel’s Twitter SMS service, using the shortcode, 53000. With this service, users will also be able to create a new Twitter account via SMS. They will also be able to follow specific Twitter users via SMS.

Existing Twitter users will be able to do all they previously did with their Twitter via mobile.twitter.com, from viewing their timeline, to finding and following accounts, posting new Tweets, to replying to other users and retweeting their Tweets. To know more, visit www.airtel.in/twitter.

Speaking on the launch of the limited period service, N Rajaram, Chief Marketing Officer – Consumer Business, Bharti Airtel said:

“Today’s discerning Indian customer is increasingly relying on the mobile device for accessing everything from emails to music to social networks. In conjunction with this trend, we are pleased to introduce 90 days of free access to Twitter for mobile users in India --- first on Airtel. With this, 170 million+ Airtel mobile customers will now potentially be able to enjoy Twitter’s rich interface on their mobile web browsers or access updates posted by specific users through SMS notifications free of charge.”

“This initiative will introduce new users to an exciting world of possibilities that mobile internet enables, thus providing an impetus to data services market. Airtel has always been committed to delivering experiences that are innovative and relevant for customers. This launch reinforces our focus on this promise and adds to our list of many industry firsts."