Airtel launches Project Next, to invest Rs 2,000 crore

Leading telecom operator Airtel has launched 'Project Next', a digital programme which, it says, will transform customer experience across all its services, with an investment of Rs 2,000 crore over the next three years.

"We plan to invest Rs 2,000 crore over the next three years to launch several digital innovations to make our customers' experience more simple and interactive," said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO (India and South Asia), Bharti Airtel, on Monday.

As part of the plan, the company introduced data rollover opportunity for customers so that their data of a particular month if unused does not go waste. A customer can store up to 200GB of data, he said.

Charting the concerns of the customers, Vittal said: "First, unused data that expires at the end of the month is seen as a painful waste. Second, customers are looking for a relationship with the service provider for all of their connections. Third, the security of their devices and the privacy of their data is critical. Finally, an upgrade from prepaid to postpaid is a cumbersome experience."

"Airtel postpaid customers no longer need to worry about losing unused data at the end of the month. In an industry first, starting August 1, 2017, all Airtel postpaid customers will now be able to carry forward their unused monthly data quota to the next billing cycle," he added.

The company said postpaid customers can now create customised solutions for the family by adding multiple postpaid connections to their account, and enjoy savings of up to 20 per cent.

The company also introduced 'Airtel Secure' -- a digital smartphone protection suite -- through which customers can now protect their smartphones against accidental/liquid damage.

"If a customer's device is accidentally damaged, Airtel will arrange for a pick-up of the device, get it repaired from an authorized service centre and deliver it back to the customer. What makes Airtel Secure unique is that it is the only solution to offer damage protection for smartphones up to two years old."

Airtel Secure also comes with Norton Mobile Security Suite, which includes anti-malware protection, and an App Advisor that flags privacy risks such as intrusive behaviour.

As part of the project, the company will revamp all its 2,500 stores across the country. The next-gen Airtel stores have been conceptualised by the UK-based 8 Inc. The first two stores are in Gurgaon.

The company's shares in the BSE closed at Rs 405.40, up 5.39 per cent on Monday.

--IANS

ag/dg