Perplexity AI, the AI-powered search platform, has firmly denied allegations that it is providing Airtel customers in India with a downgraded version of its paid service, Perplexity Pro. The company’s clarification comes after online discussions and media reports suggested that users accessing the service through Airtel’s free AI offering were receiving a “Pro Lite” version instead of the full premium product.
The controversy began after some Airtel users reported differences in output quality and feature availability when using Perplexity via Airtel’s network compared to the standard Perplexity Pro subscription. These observations sparked speculation that the AI service integrated with Airtel’s offer was somehow restricted or operating with reduced capabilities.
Company Response
In a statement, Perplexity categorically denied the claims, calling them “inaccurate and misleading.” The company emphasised that Airtel users accessing Perplexity through the telecom operator’s AI initiative are receiving “the full and complete version of Perplexity Pro” at no cost during the promotional period.
“We value our partnership with Airtel and remain committed to delivering the same high-quality AI experience to all users, regardless of how they access the platform,” a Perplexity spokesperson said. “There is no Pro Lite or downgraded version being offered to Airtel customers.”
Airtel’s Position
Airtel has also issued a clarification, reiterating that its partnership with Perplexity aims to make advanced AI tools more accessible to Indian consumers. The telecom operator confirmed that the offering under its AI services initiative provides subscribers with “unrestricted access” to Perplexity Pro for the duration of the free trial.
According to Airtel, any differences users may perceive could be due to network variations, device settings, or usage limits based on individual account preferences, but not because of any intentional feature restrictions.
Background of the Partnership
Airtel announced its collaboration with Perplexity AI earlier this year as part of its broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence services into its digital ecosystem. The offer allows Airtel customers to use Perplexity Pro without subscription charges for a limited time, with the aim of boosting AI adoption in India.
Perplexity Pro is known for its AI-driven question-answering capabilities, providing concise, verified, and sourced responses across a wide range of topics. The platform competes with AI search offerings from global players such as Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus.
Allegations and User Concerns
The allegations of a downgraded experience first surfaced on social media platforms and tech discussion forums, where users claimed they noticed reduced accuracy in responses and fewer advanced options compared to the standalone paid Pro version. Some posts also mentioned slower response times and more limited citation sources.
Industry analysts note that such perceptions are not uncommon when services are accessed via third-party integrations, as performance can be influenced by multiple technical factors. These include API request handling, server load balancing, and device compatibility, rather than deliberate downgrading of features.
Industry Reactions
Technology experts say the episode underscores the challenges AI companies face when scaling their services through partnerships. “When a product is offered through an intermediary, especially at scale, any performance hiccups can lead to speculation about the quality of service,” said a Bengaluru-based AI consultant. “It’s critical for companies to communicate proactively and transparently to maintain trust.”
Some also see the controversy as a reflection of growing consumer expectations around AI tools. As competition in the AI space intensifies, users are becoming more sensitive to perceived differences in product performance, even when those differences are marginal or unrelated to intentional restrictions.
Perplexity’s Growing Footprint in India
Despite the recent controversy, Perplexity’s partnership with Airtel has given it a significant visibility boost in the Indian market. By offering premium AI capabilities for free to millions of Airtel subscribers, the company is positioning itself as a viable alternative to established global AI platforms.
The partnership aligns with a broader trend of telecom operators integrating AI services into their value-added offerings, tapping into the rising demand for intelligent tools among mobile and broadband customers.
The Future
Perplexity has reiterated its commitment to transparency and quality, stating that it will continue to work closely with Airtel to monitor service performance and user feedback. Airtel, for its part, has said it will actively address customer concerns and ensure the smooth functioning of all AI services in its portfolio.
While the current controversy appears to be rooted more in perception than fact, it highlights the importance of consistent performance and clear communication in technology partnerships. For AI companies like Perplexity, whose success depends heavily on user trust, ensuring that every customer receives the promised experience is not just good practice — it’s essential to long-term growth.