In a move that underscores the increasing demand for instant solutions, Bharti Airtel has announced a partnership with Blinkit, the quick commerce platform, to deliver SIM cards to customers' homes in a mere 10 minutes. This pioneering service, a first-of-its-kind initiative by a telecom operator in India, is currently live in 16 cities, with plans for further expansion.
This collaboration aims to revolutionize the way customers acquire SIM cards, offering unparalleled speed and convenience. For a nominal convenience fee of ₹49, customers can now have a new Airtel SIM delivered to their doorstep within minutes. The service caters to both new connections and those wishing to switch to Airtel via mobile number portability (MNP).
Following the swift delivery, customers can activate their new SIM card through a simplified, Aadhaar-based KYC (Know Your Customer) authentication process. This eliminates the need for store visits and cumbersome paperwork, enabling a seamless and hassle-free experience. To further assist users, Airtel provides an online link containing an activation video, guiding them through the setup process. Support is also available through the Airtel Thanks App and a dedicated helpline number (9810012345). It's important to note that customers are required to activate their SIM cards within 15 days of delivery.
The 16 cities currently covered by this service include Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ahmedabad, Surat, Chennai, Bhopal, Indore, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
Siddharth Sharma, CEO – Connected Homes and Director of Marketing, Bharti Airtel, emphasized the company's commitment to simplifying customer lives. He stated, "Today we are thrilled to partner with Blinkit for 10-minute SIM card delivery to customers' homes across 16 cities and in due course of time we plan to expand this partnership to additional cities.”
Albinder Dhindsa, Founder and CEO of Blinkit, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the collaboration's focus on saving customers time and hassle. "Blinkit takes care of the delivery, while Airtel makes it easy for customers to complete self-KYC, activate their SIM, and choose between prepaid or postpaid plans. Customers can also opt for number portability, all at their convenience," Dhindsa said.
This strategic partnership reflects the growing trend of quick commerce extending beyond groceries and essentials to encompass a wider range of services. Blinkit's existing infrastructure for rapid delivery, previously demonstrated with initiatives like 10-minute air conditioner delivery in anticipation of summer heatwaves, makes it an ideal partner for Airtel's ambitious SIM delivery program.
The Airtel-Blinkit collaboration not only provides enhanced convenience to customers but also streamlines the customer acquisition process for Airtel. By leveraging Blinkit's efficient logistics and delivery network, Airtel can reach a wider audience and provide instant connectivity solutions. This move is expected to set a new benchmark for mobile service delivery in India, catering to the demands of today's fast-paced and convenience-driven consumers.
