Limited device storage problem? Airtel & Google join hands to offer 6-month 100GB plan at no extra cost

Google One subscription: Helping tackle the mounting challenge of limited device storage, telecom company Bharti Airtel and Google on Tuesday, May 20, announced a partnership to offer Airtel customers free access to the Google One cloud storage subscription service.

What is the offer?

Under this offer, all postpaid and Wi-Fi customers will get 100GB of Google One cloud storage for six months at no extra cost. Additionally, they will be able to share this storage with up to five additional people.

Why this cloud storage deal matters to users

The partnership aims to address the issue of growing data storage constraints faced by users by ensuring that customers have ample space to store their cherished photos, videos, documents, and other digital content without the need to frequently delete files or resort to expensive physical storage expansions. Additionally, WhatsApp chats on Android are backed up to Google Account storage, which will make device switching easier for customers. The cloud storage provision is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms, making it widely accessible to Airtel's diverse customer base.

What Airtel and Google executives say

Siddharth Sharma, Director Marketing and CEO – Connected Homes, Bharti Airtel, said, "With smartphones becoming the main device for managing both personal and professional information, storage has become a significant concern for users. We are pleased to collaborate with Google to address this issue by providing our customers with dependable, secure and user-friendly storage solutions. This partnership will present an opportunity for millions of our postpaid, Wi-Fi customers allowing them access to a further 100 GB of storage."

Karen Teo, Vice President, Platforms & Devices Partnerships, APAC, Google, said, "We are excited to partner with Airtel to bring Google One to millions in India. Together, we will make it easier for our users to safely back up photos, videos and important files on their phones with more storage across Google Photos, Drive, Gmail and more."

How will you benefit — and what will it cost later?

As an introductory offer, the 100 GB cloud storage will be available at no extra cost for the first six months from the date of activation, enabling customers to back up their data and experience the convenience of cloud storage. To avail of this offer, customers will have to simply log on to the Airtel Thanks App and claim the benefit. After six months of 100 GB storage at no charge, a nominal fee of Rs 125 per month will be added to the customer’s monthly bill. If a customer chooses not to continue the subscription, they can cease to be a Google One member.

Key features of Google One storage

With Google One storage, members can:

• Get 100 GB cloud storage to use across Google Photos, Drive, and Gmail.
• Keep photos, files, and WhatsApp chats safely backed up to the cloud in case of damage or when switching to a new phone.
• Avail of family sharing with up to five additional people at no extra cost.