Bharti Airtel has unveiled a new interactive online interface, dubbed as 'Open Network' that will enable users to access its mobile network coverage and signal strength across India in addition to network site deployment status. Open Network uses geospatial tools and other technologies for accurate reporting of network coverage.
Customers can access these information via the web or a special app. Using a simple colour scheme, the interface will allow customers to check if the Airtel mobile network in an area is excellent, good, moderate or non-existent, along with the status of corresponding sites serving the area - existing, required, being upgraded or forcibly shut down.
The initiative will be supported by a 360 degree advertising campaign, conceptualized by Taproot. It is part of the operator's Project Leap, its national network transformation initiative to open up its entire mobile network information to its customers.
"Open Network is a paradigm shift in the way we engage with our customers. With this initiative, we are establishing complete transparency with regards to our mobile network and opening ourselves to customer scrutiny and feedback," said Managing Director and CEO (India and South Asia) Gopal Vittal. "For us, the network experience is paramount and Airtel customers can now take charge of network issues and be a part of the solution, rather than waiting for it to happen. Today, getting permissions to put up a network site is perhaps the biggest challenge in delivering a seamless experience to customers. We hope customers will actively come forward and help us make our network better," he added.